Summer is the ideal play-outside season for preschoolers and other children. The weather is typically good, they don’t need to bundle up in snowsuits and boots, and there isn’t homework to worry about. Kids can play hard all day, take a cool bath, and then tumble into bed for a good night’s sleep.
This summer when they all take off for summer camp it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. At WaterMonster we offer camp water stations to keep all the kiddos healthy and hydrated while they enjoy their summer fun. A word of caution: Because a child’s body surface area is much greater than an adult's in proportion to his or her overall weight, dehydration is a significant risk.
What are the risk factors for dehydration? “Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, direct sun, and high humidity, without sufficient rest and fluids,” according to WebMD. And, although we can’t control the temperature or humidity, there are plenty of fun ways to keep your young child hydrated. Here are just a few ideas.
Nature’s Perfect Drink: Water
When it comes to summer hydration and overall good health, nothing beats water. On a typical day, here are recommended fluid intake amounts based on age:
- 1-3 years old: 4 cups
- 4-8 years old: 5 cups
- 9-13 years old: 8 cups for boys, 7 for girls
- 14-18 years old: 11 cups for boys, 8 cups for girls
- Adult female: 9 cups
- Adult male: 13 cups
Encourage your child to drink steadily throughout the day from one of the camp waters stations we offer, and drink more when it’s a hotter day or when he or she is playing hard. If your child is headed out on a field trip or other adventure, you can pack a frozen water bottle in a lunch box for cool refreshment throughout the day. Let them see you drink enough water, too!
Fortunately, our bodies utilize advanced systems that let us know when we need to refuel in order to stay hydrated. There is a significant difference between being thirsty and dehydrated. When you’re feeling thirsty, you’re simply not as hydrated as you could be or as hydrated as your body would prefer itself to be.
When you go too long sweating in the sun, running around, and exercising without the help of hydration—after your body has made use of every drop of water or other fluids it still had—is when you suffer dehydration. Our camp water stations help kiddos keep hydrated during a myriad of outdoor activities.
You will know you’re dehydrated when your mouth is dry, you get a headache, and you start feeling weak, dizzy, sleepy, continuously thirsty, or even feverish. Severe and untreated dehydration can result in full-blown fevers, unconsciousness, and eventually death. Without a single drop of water in the harsh environment of a desert, you would be lucky to survive a day! That is how important water is, and our camp water stations help keep you hydrated.
Luckily, dehydration is more-than-treatable should you ever find yourself or someone you know in the situation. Make sure to drink plenty of water along with fresh juice. And if you’re severely dehydrated, you will need fluid with electrolytes. At WaterMonster, our camp water stations offer several fill-up options and allow for the use of not only water but also sports drinks to replenish those electrolytes. This summer stay safe and hydrated with WaterMonster.
