Half of US Adolescents are Dehydrated

A new article published in the Journal of Public Health reported that more than half of US adolescents and teens are dehydrated, most likely because they aren't drinking enough water. This may pose serious physical  health risks since water is essential for circulation, metabolism, temperature regulation, and waste removal. Dehydration is also associated with reduced cognitive and emotional function. Even mild dehydration affects day to day functioning and may cause headaches, irritability and  reduced physical performance.  There is an easy solution to this potential problem: Children need to drink more water. Water is a readily available and inexpensive beverage in the US and we need to encourage everyone in our society to drink more and to not wait until we are thirsty. Aim for 8 8-oz glasses of water every day, and drink more if you are outside or exercise.