Water You Drinking?

Published in our March 2024 newsletter

Imagine you’ve just come back from recess, a physical education class, or an afternoon walk. Your mouth is a little dry and all you can think about is how refreshing a cold drink would be. You know that you should hydrate, but these days there are so many drink options available that you may not even know what to pick. What beverage are you choosing to quench your thirst?

Luckily there is an easy, healthy, and free option available: water!

EAT RIGHT PHILLY Nutrition Coordinators work hard year-round to encourage everyone to drink more water. How do they do that? Let's take a closer look at Mastbaum High School to see a hydration promotion in action.

This past fall, EAT RIGHT PHILLY Nutrition Coordinators promoted healthy hydration in the student success center. They offered students the chance to learn about the importance of water and receive a free, reusable water bottle, even providing craft materials for students to personalize them! The promotion continues during National Nutrition Month® in March, when students will get the opportunity to try water infused with fresh fruit, create posters to encourage their peers to drink more water, and vote on the flavor of a smoothie tasting which will be held later in the month.

Why is there so much focus on healthy hydration? All of our bodies are made up of 60-70% water and water is crucial for digestion, healthy joints, and body temperature. With the number of sugar-sweetened beverages available, it’s easy to consume large amounts of added sugar. Within our schools it’s important to highlight the benefits of drinking water, educate students on healthy foods that also aid in hydration, and convey the benefits of limiting sugary beverages. Students who reach for water first set themselves up for a lifetime of better health!

Are you interested in a hydration promotion event? Reach out to your Nutrition Coordinator to see what wellness incentives can be implemented at your sites.