Wellbeing Zone

With the weather warming up and bringing us some significantly hotter days at school, it is more important than ever for our students to stay hydrated. Our bodies need enough fluid to function at their best, and children, in particular, are at risk of dehydration - especially in hot weather and when exercising. By the time they feel thirsty, they may already be dehydrated, meaning that a regular intake of water throughout the day is essential for maintaining health and wellbeing. 

Ensuring all students bring a drink bottle to school is essential,

especially in Terms 1 & 4!

Two-thirds of our bodies are made up of water, and dehydration can cause poor sports performance, tiredness, headaches and crankiness. Ultimately, it can also lead to serious medical problems.

The recommended daily intake of water for children aged 13 years old and over is 8-10 glasses - approximately 2 litres! They need even more water when they are exercising, such as when they have a PE class, are running around during recess and lunch breaks, or have extra-curricular sports. Your child should drink before, during and after physical activity — even if they aren’t thirsty.

Signs your child could be dehydrated include:

• dizziness or light-headedness
• nausea
• a headache
• dark yellow or brown urine
• dry lips, tongue, mouth or throat.

Tips to help your child stay hydrated:

• make sure they always pack a water bottle for school
• choose water rather than sugary or fizzy drinks
• encourage them to have a few mouthfuls of water during any breaks in the day
• make sure they have a big drink after sports activities to make up for any sweat they have lost.

For more information about how important adequate water intake is for our students, and other wellbeing advice, visit the HealthDirect website.