Valentine’s Day and the F Word
Show your kids some love this February. Here are two things your family can focus on to boost your health and spread the love!
- Focus on FIBER and how to include that in what they eat throughout the day. Foods that are naturally high in fiber also have the highest “nutrient density”. This not only helps general health and well-being, it contributes to brain health (better academic success!). HERE is a great handout on fiber in foods.
- Gratitude: A regular gratitude practice helps stimulate our “feeling good” neurotransmitter hormones. HERE is a great handout with daily practices that help strengthen our relationships.
You can never be too young to begin heart health practices!
The Water Bottle Craze
There’s something great about the fact that water bottles are the current craze. Health conscious teens want to make sure they are drinking enough water, but also want to quench their thirst in style! Many of them are carrying their entire day’s worth of water with them.
Why is it important to stay hydrated? “Waterregulatesourbodytemperature, keepsourjointslubricated, helpspreventinfectionsanddeliversnutrientstoourcells” writes Lisa Drayer, R.D.
How much water should teens drink? In general, most teens should aim for 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water. This does not include juice and soda (not the best nutritional choices regardless of their fluid status).
I applaud the goal of hydrating regularly and using vessels that are more ecofriendly than plastic disposable bottles. I do think it’s important to be aware of the fact that carrying a water bottle such as a full 40 oz. Stanley Quencher adds almost 4 pounds to what that student is carrying. No doubt that most parents know that students typically carry very heavy backpacks that may impact their spinal and musculoskeletal health. Please pay attention to the implications of adding more weight to these already heavy loads.
Consider that your student can carry a smaller water bottle and refill it during the day. We are fortunate to have multiple “hydration stations” on campus where anyone can fill up their bottles, and our EBMUD tap water is reliable and safe to drink.
Another way to stay hydrated is to consume multiple servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, which have a high percentage of water.
See my website for more information.
Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, SchoolNurseWebsite
