How to survive the scorching heat?

With each passing day, the mercury is rising, leaving each one reeling under heat. And this scorching heat puts students at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke while commuting to school. , Thus, it becomes increasingly vital for students to prioritise their hydration. Proper hydration is not only essential for maintaining physical health, but also plays a significant role in supporting cognitive function and overall academic performance. In this story, we delve into the importance of staying hydrated for students throughout the day and explore expert insights on the subject.

Effect of heat wave on student’s well-being

With the mercury rising and the sun blazing, the scorching summer heat poses numerous challenges for students. Dehydration can quickly sneak up on them, leading to a range of issues, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, reduced cognitive abilities, and even increased stress levels. To tackle these challenges effectively, students need to make hydration a top priority.

Maninder Kaur, a Social Science educator at Apeejay School, Model Town, emphasises the significance of staying hydrated “Children are particularly at risk of becoming dehydrated because a child’s body produces more heat during physical exertion. Children also tend to be more physically active than adults and so, heat and dehydration can become more evident, more quickly. Therefore, we must make sure to include water, and water-rich fruits like watermelon and muskmelon in children’s every day diet.”

As we are aware that dehydration can be a common concern among students during summers thereby, impacting their physical and mental well-being. Proper hydration ensures optimal brain function, leading to improved focus, memory retention, and overall cognitive performance.

So how to maintain hydration levels

Staying hydrated throughout the day requires a conscious effort from students, parents, and educational institutions alike. The following strategies can help students beat the heat and maintain optimal hydration levels:

1. Carry a water bottle: Encourage students to carry a reusable water bottle wherever they go. This serves as a constant reminder to drink water and makes it easily accessible.

Set reminders: In the hustle and bustle of school life, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Setting reminders can help students stay on track and maintain a regular intake of fluids.

2. Infused water options: To make hydration more enticing, students can experiment with infused water options. Adding slices of fruits like citrus, berries, or cucumber can add a refreshing twist to plain water and make it more appealing.

3. Hydration stations: Schools can play a vital role in promoting hydration by providing accessible and well-stocked hydration stations. These stations can offer water dispensers, fruit-infused water options, and reminders to drink water throughout the day.

Aashima, an Economics Educator and Cultural Coordinator at Apeejay Mahavir Marg, highlights the role of educational institutions in promoting hydration. She mentions, “The essentiality of water for life is beyond doubt. There is no denying the fact that children and adolescents are not consuming enough water. Children spend most of their day at school, and given this, the role of schools in promoting hydration among students assumes utmost importance. Schools should organise various seminars to raise awareness among students about the positive effects of drinking enough water and the negative effects of dehydration. Teachers should conduct classroom activities that highlight the importance of water for the human body, thereby encouraging students to keep themselves hydrated. Furthermore, teachers should serve as role models by carrying their water bottles and drinking enough water throughout the day.”

Combatting dehydration risks

Apart from regular water intake, certain precautions can help students combat dehydration risks effectively:

1. Electrolyte balance: With excessive sweating, students may lose essential electrolytes along with water. Encourage the consumption of electrolyte-rich foods and beverages, such as energy drinks or coconut water, to replenish these vital nutrients.

2. Avoid sugary drinks: While it’s crucial to stay hydrated, students should be cautious about excessive consumption of sugary beverages. These drinks may provide a temporary energy boost, but can lead to dehydration in the long run. Encourage students to opt for water as their primary source of hydration.

3. Healthy snack options: Incorporating hydrating foods into students’ diets can contribute to their overall hydration. Foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, can be excellent choices for snacks during the summer months.

As students navigate their academic journey during the summer, prioritising hydration becomes paramount. Staying properly hydrated helps students maintain focus, enhances cognitive abilities, and supports their overall well-being.