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Keeping children properly hydrated during the summer months, or in warm climates, is very important to their overall health. Felicia Busch, R.D.,M.P.H. an ambassador to the American Dietetic Association, offers the following (Do's and Don'ts) for keeping children hydrated.

Do's

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to remain hydrated.-Encourage your kids to do the same-active children lose 2 or more quarts of water daily so their bodies need to be continuously replenished.
  
  
• Drink 8-10 oz. of water every 15 minutes during a run and another 10-12 oz. immediately following your workout. An athlete can lose from 6-10 pounds, almost all of it water, during a 10K race in hot weather.
  
• Have your child take water breaks every 15-20 minutes while playing outside or participating in a sports activity. Get your kids in the habit of always carrying cold water in their beverage holder when they go for a bike ride.
  
• When packing your car for a weekend trip, don't forget to include water in the cooler. Freeze a partially full bottle of water the night before a trip and fill it with more bottled water before you leave and you'll have instant chilled water all day long.

Don'ts

• Don't overdo it. Take time throughout the day for a glass of water whether or not you feel you need it. If you wait until you feel thirsty, you're already experiencing the signs of dehydration.
  
• Don't substitute soda or juice as a proper beverage to prevent dehydration. Most sodas contain sugar and caffeine which may speed up dehydration.
  
• Don't drink surface water from lakes, rivers or pools. This water is often untreated and could contain harmful contaminants.
  
• Don't expect the coach or other adult supervisors to provide the beverages for your child.