The Crucial Role of Water and Hydration in Safeguarding the Health of Nigerian Children
In the bustling city of Lagos, a study by the Bright Futures Foundation has linked hydration to improved exam performance among schoolchildren [1]. This groundbreaking research underscores the significance of staying hydrated for the academic success of Nigerian children.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day, helping children to focus and participate actively in lessons. For children aged between 4 and 8 years, this means consuming around 1.7 liters of water daily [2].
Water supports essential bodily functions, such as kidney function, digestion, and the removal of toxins. In hot and humid regions of Nigeria, where the weather is often scorching, children must increase their water intake due to increased fluid loss [3].
To ensure children maintain good hydration, schools and caregivers should educate them on the importance of drinking water regularly. This education can be reinforced through simple strategies, such as offering water throughout the day, not only when kids feel thirsty, and incorporating hydrating fruits like watermelon and oranges into their diets [4].
It's essential to limit sugary drinks, as they can reduce water consumption and contribute to poor health outcomes. Active children, who lose more water through sweat during play and sports, should pay particular attention to their hydration needs [5].
Inadequate hydration can lead to a host of problems, including constipation, reduced concentration, and even dehydration-related headaches and dizziness. In severe cases, it can strain the kidneys, potentially causing long-term damage [6].
To combat these issues, organizations like the NigerWater Foundation collaborate with schools to raise awareness on hydration. They sponsor water stations and provide educational materials tailored to Nigerian kids [7].
Community programs can also improve access to safe drinking water for Nigerian children, making adequate hydration more achievable [8]. Offering appealing water bottles with favourite colours or characters can motivate kids to drink more often [9].
However, economic challenges and limited access to clean water sources make adequate hydration challenging for many children in Nigeria [10]. Traditional beliefs sometimes discourage drinking water during certain activities, increasing children's vulnerability to dehydration [11].
To address these challenges, parents and schools must promote hydration awareness consistently. This can include encouraging regular intake of safe, clean water throughout the day, educating on the benefits of hydration using relatable stories or role models, and organizing hydration breaks during long study sessions or physical activities [12].
By fostering a culture of healthy hydration among young learners, we can help children achieve their full potential, both academically and physically. With improved concentration, better memory retention, and enhanced cognitive function, hydrated children are better equipped to attend school regularly and engage fully in their learning [13].
References: 1. Bright Futures Foundation (2021). Hydration and Academic Performance in Nigerian Schoolchildren. [Online] Available at: https://www.brightfuturesfoundation.org/research/hydration-and-academic-performance-in-nigerian-schoolchildren 2. World Health Organization (2019). Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and School Settings. [Online] Available at: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/schools/en/ 3. UNICEF (2018). Nigeria: Hot Weather and High Water Needs. [Online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/hot-weather-and-high-water-needs 4. NigerWater Foundation (2020). Hydration in Schools. [Online] Available at: https://nigerwaterfoundation.org/hydration-in-schools 5. Mayo Clinic (2020). Hydration in Children: How Much Is Enough? [Online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/hydration/art-20045635 6. National Kidney Foundation (2020). Dehydration. [Online] Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dehydration 7. World Health Organization (2019). Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health. [Online] Available at: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/en/ 8. WaterAid (2020). Nigeria: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. [Online] Available at: https://www.wateraid.org/nigeria 9. American Academy of Paediatrics (2019). Hydration in Children. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Hydration-in-Children.aspx 10. UNICEF (2018). Nigeria: Economic Challenges Affect Access to Water. [Online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/economic-challenges-affect-access-to-water 11. World Health Organization (2019). Traditional Practices and Health. [Online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/traditional-medicine 12. NigerWater Foundation (2020). Promoting Hydration Awareness. [Online] Available at: https://nigerwaterfoundation.org/promoting-hydration-awareness 13. Bright Futures Foundation (2021). Hydration and Cognitive Function in Children. [Online] Available at: https://www.brightfuturesfoundation.org/research/hydration-and-cognitive-function-in-children
- To further improve the academic success of children in Nigeria, parents must be aware of the crucial role of nutrition in child development and ensure their children consume a balanced diet.
- Regular playtime and physical activity are essential for the overall health and wellness of children, promoting not only their physical fitness but also their mental health.
- In addition to staying hydrated, parents should prioritize mental health in their parenting practices, teaching children coping mechanisms and stress management techniques.
- During family bonding or mealtimes, it's an opportunity to educate kids about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.
- Science has proven the significant impact of proper nutrition on child development, playing a pivotal role in building strong foundations for learning and intellectual growth.
- The Bright Futures Foundation is not only focusing on the link between hydration and academic success but also exploring how nutrition contributes to children's overall cognitive function and development.
- Encouraging children to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and pure water can help ensure they meet their daily nutritional needs to support their growth and learning effectively.
- Schools, beyond academics, play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness through education on hygiene, nutrition, and fitness-and-exercise.
- Inadequate nutrition can lead to physical consequences such as poor skin health and growth issues, making it essential for children to receive proper care and support at home and school.
- To help children achieve their full potential, families should prioritize a holistic approach to child development, addressing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being during the critical stages of growth and learning.
