Why drinking water will keep you attentive in class

With students set to return to school for the first term, hot weather should be expected despite the unpredictable climate patterns. February and March are the hottest months according to a Kigali weather guide. From the health point of view, many people constantly crave for bigger portions of drinking water to quench their thirst. But what would such a scenario mean to the students? Kibagabaga Hospital nutritionist Isaac Bikorimana, explains that water being a universal solvent is a prerequisite for major biochemical functions in all individuals. “School-going children are not any different, they require more water because of using the brain a lot while concentrating on academic work,” says Bikorimana. He is fast to point out that since water forms the biggest component of cells - organs and tissues - constant supply is required in regulating body temperature. Besides, it should be put into account that a lot of water that is lost through breathing, sweating and digestion during vigorous physical activity such as sports needs to be replaced. Why students need enough water According to health experts, water is the perfect choice for rehydrating the body and lack of sufficient supply prompts students to search for alternatives. For example, studies done in the United States show that kids are drinking too many sodas and other sugary drinks. In California, for instance, even with state laws prohibiting most sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on school campuses, studies indicate that an alarming 62 per cent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 and 41 per cent of children aged 2 to 11 drink at least one soda or sugar-sweetened beverage per day. Such drinks, associated with health implications like obesity, could be substituted when enough drinking water is availed to school going children. And globally, responses from schools involve working out ways to ensure that there is enough access and affordability to clean drinking water. In September last year, Bilal Twahab, the superintendent of Flint Public Schools, one of the top rated schools in the US, asked parents to send their kids to school with bottled water. This came after health concerns from the tap water that was consumed earlier being at risk of microbial contamination, chlorine burns and heavy metals. Similarly, schools in Rwanda ought to embrace such initiatives to ensure students’ well-being. Government policy on safe water within schools In Rwanda, it is mandatory for schools to provide safe water to students from a common access point. In fact, a recently launched healthy policy by the Ministry of Education suggests the need for a conducive environment that promotes sanitation and nutrition to support academic performance. The Comprehensive Health Policy for Schools and the Strategic Plan 2014-2018 call for provision of safe water within schools. Because water is that important, the prohibition of food items within schools excludes packaged water and that processed or prepared with acceptable quality. To deal with issues of affordability, provision of drinking water to students is left at the discretion of school authorities. Louis Sinamenye, a teacher at GS Catholique de Butare, explains that school authorities are crucial in availing safe water for both drinking and fulfilling sanitary requirements. “Students need drinking water but the tanks in the school compound are important for cleanliness too. Even before reaching out for cups to collect the water, hands should be free of microorganisms and the washing is done from the tanks,” he explains. Jane Nakayi, a teacher at Riviera Academy, observes that safe drinking water at school is an opportunity for every student who would otherwise not afford buying packaged water. “Students can access drinking water from the dining hall. It is safe water which is well prepared and placed at this common access point,” she explains. How much water is needed for daily consumption Most people recognise the importance of water but the exact quantities for daily consumption are unknown to many. The American Journal of Nutrition, however, points out that it is impossible to set a single requirement for the day. The amount consumed in a day depends on the type of food, the weather and instead of setting an estimated average requirement, other nutrients should be considered, according to the journal. About 15 cups of water are required for men and 11 cups for women. However, despite the lack of nutritional support, advice has been that eight glasses are needed every day. Although water is generally ignored because of its ubiquitous nature, one part of the body that thrives on adequate water intake is the kidneys. Such organs are responsible for excretion of toxins from the body in all individuals, students or not. However 80 per cent of the water supplied to the body comes from other drinks. It is imperative that drinking be made an important concern to support a successful school life.