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Drinking Water in Schools
Water
is a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. Drinking water improves
memory and attention, helps children maintain a healthy weight, reduces the
risk for some chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and
helps prevent dental cavities, if fluoridated. Yet 1 in 5 children and
adolescents do not drink any plain water during the day,1 and about half
of school-aged children are underhydrated.2
Children
and adolescents are not consuming enough water, instead opting for
sugar-sweetened beverages (sodas, sports and energy drinks, milks, coffees, and
fruit-flavoured drinks with added sugars), 100% fruit juice, and other
beverages. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can lead to improved weight
status, reduced dental caries, and improved cognition among children and
adolescents.
Because
children spend most of their day at school and in child care, ensuring that
safe, potable drinking water is available in these settings is a fundamental
public health measure.
Drinking
enough water every day is good for overall health. As plain drinking water has
zero calories, it can help with managing body weight and reducing caloric
intake when substituted for drinks with calories, like sugar-sweetened
beverages. Schools are in a unique position to promote lifelong healthy
dietary behaviours. The Institute of Medicine and the Centres for Disease
Control and Prevention recommend that plain drinking water be available
throughout the school day.
