Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/251527
24 BRAVA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2014 THRIVE WELLBEING DRINK UP, KIDS! I must confess that each year my resolu- tion has been to drink more water. I have devolved to this after much loftier or more complicated expectations of myself in the past, but still, it really has been my New Year's resolution for the past four ORǠVEYEˬRSrˬNDITmSONEWORTHSHˬRING with the whole family. It is estimated that seven out of 10 chil- dren go to school dehydrated. We tend to encourage hydration during the warm summer months, and especially dur- ing sports played under the hot sun, but dehydration continues to be a problem in the dead of winter, and can contribute to poorer school performance. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue and poor concentration. Dehydration happens most often be- cause of the rush to get out the door in the morning without replenishing over- NIGHTǢUIDLOSSESFOLLOWEDBYˬLONGDˬY of classes without drinking water. By the time we feel thirsty, we are already dehy- drated, and students often choose high- calorie, sweetened beverages to quench their thirst—a selection that can help lead to obesity. Caffeinated beverages also act ˬSDIURETICSˬNDFURTHEREXˬCERBˬTEǢUID losses. Drink more water. It's a mantra worth repeating. And to help that message sink in to your kids, talk about how great water tastes, how good it is for our bod- ies and how our brains can't even think straight without proper hydration. It may even take more dramatic changes, leg- work and incentives to make it happen, such as providing individual water bot- tles, fancy straws or special privileges for pouring water into glasses at the dinner table from a lightweight, durable, child- friendly pitcher. As parents, we are told to "pick our battles" to ensure greater chances of con- sistency in parenting, and, ultimately, GREˬTERCHˬNCESOFSUCCESSŀISYEˬR*ˬM ˬGˬINPICKINGWˬTERBUT*HOPETOǠND comfort in numbers. –Kari Hegeman, pediatrician at Dean Clinic DR. MOM Minimize distractions: Whether you want to give a romantic massage or help with pain, "Turn off the TV and devices if you really want to pay attention to your partner," says Katie Keitt-Pride, massage thera- pist with On Point Massage. Position yourself wisely: "Many tell me their partners are excellent at massage but won't rub them long because they can't," Keitt- Pride says. She suggests the giver position them- selves in a way that eases strain—having the receiver on the floor often helps. Don't underestimate lubrication: "An oil or lotion can have healing properties that combine effectively with the soothing touch," Keitt-Pride says. RUB THE RIGHT WAY MASSAGE MEDICINE MATTERS In the last 10 years, prescription drug abuse among women—particularly for painkillers—has skyrocketed. Here are three signs of a problem. A preoccupation: "You're thinking about it first thing when you wake up, and you look forward to it, to function like normal," explains Shelly Dutch, director of Connections Counseling. Doctor shopping: "Many [women] are trying to relieve the stress or tension of their life and trying to regulate moods with drugs," Dutch says. And if one doctor stops offering prescriptions for pain or other problems, they move on. A loss of control: "It doesn't mean you get into a car accident, but it could mean you're driving while high with your child in your car," Dutch says, noting that continuing use despite adverse consequences is a telltale marker of addiction. Need help? Local resources including Connections Counseling (connectionscounseling.com) and Tellurian (tellurian.org) offer recovery services. ADDICTION