Keep kids drinking during sports activities

A first-of-its-kind study, commissioned by the Defeat the Heat public safety campaign and presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting, found that two-thirds of children arrived at sports practice significantly dehydrated, putting them at increased risk for serious illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the study's lead researcher, Douglas Casa, the director of athletic training education at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, a majority of the kids who arrived to play dehydrated still were significantly dehydrated after practice, even though water was available and their coaches encouraged them to drink regularly.

Each year, more than 300 people die of heat-related conditions. "During the summer months, we treat many children in the emergency room for dehydration and heat illness," cautions Martin Eichelberger, Medical Director of Trauma and Burn Services at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. "Most parents ask us, 'What could I have done to prevent this emergency?'"

Although youngsters are more susceptible to dehydration and heat illness than adults, a survey commissioned by the National Safe Kids Campaign revealed that more than three out of four parents of active children aged 8-14 do net know the steps they should take to prevent dehydration in their offspring.

Research indicates that a beverage with flavor and electrolytes best hydrates active kids. "Studies show that when drinking water, kids will drink only about 50% of what they need," says Casa. "However, a sports drink ... that contains flavor and electrolytes encourages them to drink 90% more than water to stay better hydrated."

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group