Consultant to Al-Youm: Drinking water is essential for school students, even in cold weather

Confirmed Senior Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Faisal Shaheen Al-Youm reported that the return of students to schools after the Eid al-Fitr holiday represents an important stage that requires good health preparation, stressing the need to drink water during the school day, due to its essential role in maintaining the body’s activity and the health of its organs.
He said: “Unfortunately, many students fall into a common mistake of ignoring Drinking water While they are at school, this could lead to easily avoidable negative health effects.”.

healthy habits

Dr. Shaheen explained that bringing a personal water bottle to school is a simple but very important healthy habit, as it allows the student to drink water regularly without having to wait. Having water near the student encourages him to drink more often, which positively affects his concentration and mental activity during school lessons.

He pointed out that the common belief that cold weather reduces the need to drink water is a misconception. The body constantly loses fluids even at low temperatures, whether through breathing or unnoticeable sweating. Therefore, the feeling of thirst is not always an accurate indicator of the body's need for water, which necessitates adhering to drinking sufficient amounts regularly without waiting to feel thirsty.

Essential element

Dr. Shaheen explained that water is essential for preventing dehydration, as it helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and eliminate toxins. When water is deficient, students may experience fatigue,headaches, and difficulty concentrating, all of which directly impact their academic performance and daily functioning.
He warned that insufficient daily water intake can strain the kidneys, forcing them to work harder to maintain fluid balance. Over time, this can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, a painful health problem that can be easily prevented by drinking water regularly. Prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment.
He added that water's role isn't limited to a specific organ; it's necessary for all the body's cells, as it's a component of their structure and helps them perform their vital functions efficiently. Therefore, maintaining adequate hydration is fundamental to good overall health, especially for students who need sustained energy and focus.

Important tips

In closing, Dr. Shaheen offers a set of tips for school students:

• Make sure to drink at least two liters of water during the day, even if the weather is cold.
• Carry a water bottle and refill it when needed. Reduce your consumption of soft drinks and sugary juices and replace them with water.

Dr. Shaheen called on parents to follow up with their children and encourage them to adopt this healthy habit, as it has a significant impact on enhancing their health and ability to learn. Building simple healthy habits such as drinking water regularly can make a big difference in students’ lives and put them on the right path towards better health and a more active and successful future.