Just add water?
This health tip was written by Teresa Rodriguez-Wargo, RN, MSN, PNP, CNS; Coordinator of the Sutter Pediatric Healthy Lifestyles Program.

Water Facts
Adults are made up of 55-75% water, and children are made up of even more.

Your body's cells need water to function. Water carries nutrients to your cells and provides a necessary moist environment for your ears, nose and throat tissues. Water also flushes out toxins from your vital organs.

It is important to replenish your systerm with water since even the littlest things cause you to lose water. Breathing expels between two and four cups of water in a 24-hour period. Adults' feet sweat up to a cup of water a day and perspiring adds about two more cups to that. Your body also needs water to have bowel movements and make urine.

Your water intake depends on several factors:

• The more you exercise, the more water you need.
• Your body needs more water if you are in hot and/or humid weather, if you are indoors with a heater on, or if you are at a high altitude.
• Illness with fever, vomiting or diarrhea can cause children to lose water and important electrolytes. Consult with your child's physician to determine the best way to replenish electrolytes.

When your body doesn't have enough water you become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include:

• Lack of energy
• Trouble thinking and concentrating
• Ear ache
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness
• Thirst
• Little or no urination
• Dizziness

Children should stay hydrated by drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables with high water content such as oranges, grapes, watermelon, apples and tomatoes. Sports drinks are made for adults who perform intense exercise such as running a marathon or playing professional football.

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Copyright © 2008 Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region. All rights reserved. The Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region enewsletter is designed to provide useful information. Our website does not promote or sell products of any kind. We do hope that the information provided encourages the visitor to consider using the Sutter Health network for medical care, or that visitors might decide to join our organization as an employee, volunteer, or donor.