Parenting
Got Water? Kids Need Just as Much as Adults, Experts Say
- Their bodies may be smaller, but that doesn't mean they can skimp on drinking water. In fact, it's more important than ever, experts say, to make sure children are properly hydrated.
"The standard recommendations are for children to get six to eight glasses of water per day," says Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNHealth's Diet and Fitness expert. "Mild dehydration can affect learning as well as mental and physical performance."
Supporting Jampolis' contention is a recent Tufts University study that found that children who are even mildly thirsty can become cranky. For older, school-age children, dehydration -- even at low levels -- can mean impaired cognitive function, says lead researcher Kristen D'Anci, PhD.
In reality, however, many parents can commiserate on the difficulty of getting kids to drink any water, never mind enough.
To that point, the following tips may give concerned parents ideas on how to help kids guzzle more of what's good for them.
* Make water easily accessible. Place a pitcher in the refrigerator, have water bottles out, waiting, and ready to be filled, or have bottled water handy. That way, there'll be no excuses. Additionally, you may want to consider offering water that has mildly alkaline properties such as Alkame Water. Ionized water has smaller molecule clusters that are able to permeate a body's cells faster, while hydrating more fully and effectively. In turn, this allows little bodies to absorb water and minerals better, and flush out toxins. Another added benefit? Alkame is the only water patented for high levels of stabilized dissolved oxygen.
* Take it to go. Kids model what they see, so whenever you and your wee ones are on the go, make sure you take water for yourself and your child. If you're taking sips of water throughout the day, chances are, they will too. And don't stop at car rides, take water on family picnics and walks and to the park and other outings.
* Serve water-rich foods. Many good-for-you-foods, such as soup, fruit and milk, contain 80 to 90 percent water. Watermelon, for instance, is usually a kid-friendly favorite and a great water-logged fruit.
Alkame Water, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alkame Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: ALKM). For more information about Alkame Water and its health benefits, visit www.alkamewater.com.
Think Teeth! Help Your Children Reduce the Risk of Tooth Decay
- Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States? The good news is it can be prevented. This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) wants to remind parents to "think teeth."
Parents can help children combat cavities and tooth decay by practicing good daily oral hygiene -- even at an early age. Ask your pediatrician about your baby's oral health at the six-month check-up. And start regular dental check-ups beginning at age one.
Reducing Risk of Tooth Decay
"Children's access to dental services is essential to maintaining good oral health and reducing the risk of tooth decay," says Dr. Lynn D. Mouden, Chief Dental Officer with HHS' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal government agency that oversees Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). "If children don't already have dental coverage, they may be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, which includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride, dental sealants and fillings."
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria interacting with sugars in the mouth. The bacteria can be passed from parent to child when, for example, they share spoons or cups. If untreated, this dental disease can result in difficulty eating and speaking, and can interfere with physical and social development and school performance. Tooth decay can be prevented. Using a fluoride varnish, fluoride painted on the teeth, protects "baby" teeth. Dental sealants, plastic coatings that keep bacteria and sugars away from areas most likely to decay, protect back teeth.
"Simple steps to help prevent tooth decay can begin when a child is a baby," says Dr. Mouden. "Put only water, milk or formula in bottles or sippy cups, and never put babies to bed with a bottle. And as your child gets older, limit sugary foods and drinks and make sure he or she brushes twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste."
For More Information
A family of four with an annual income of $47,700 or more may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP. Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW, or visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about affordable health insurance for your family.
This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Fresh Fruit Delivers Fun and Nutrition
A lot of parents can't wait for summer and the arrival of fresh fruit season. But thanks to another "best of both worlds" scenario, they don't have to wait. When it's winter in North America, the weather in Chile is just heating up, and its robust fruit industry ensures that fresh fruit is available year-round.
So, what fresh ideas can parents spring on the kids this winter? A great place to start is "nature's candy," fresh Chilean grapes. The perfect finger food, grapes can also be the centerpiece of an appetizer plate, the sweet addition to savory snacks, and the fun ingredient in unexpected places. Green, red and black grapes provide endless inspiration for kids of all ages to be creative and enjoy. Here are a few ideas to inspire!
* Grapes and cheese cubes on pretzel skewers
* Grapes as the center of cheese sunflowers with a celery stem
* Grape turtle with an apple slice as the body
* Frozen grape caterpillars with mini chocolate chips for eyes
* Grape salsa as a topping for tacos or baked brie
* Roasted grapes tossed in grain salads and layered in yogurt-granola parfaits
* Halved grapes tucked into grilled cheese sandwiches
* Heart-shaped cookies decorated with grapes
Winter is also a good time for fresh blueberries, the little blue dynamos that work magic in all manner of kid-friendly dishes. And if it seems like ages since you've enjoyed fresh plums and nectarines, you'll find ripe, flavorful stonefruit from Chile waiting for you in many American produce aisles.
Year-round availability of fresh fruit and kid-friendly recipes give parents sweet options for long winter months.