Small steps to better health

Water/Milk
When you’re thirsty, try water or low-fat milk as the drink of choice.

The health benefits of water:

Sixty percent of your weight on average is made up of water. Every system in your body depends on water. And lack of water can lead to dehydration, and sometimes make you “feel” hungry when you’re actually thirsty.

• The average adult should have a little more than eight cups a day to replace the amount of water lost every day.
• If you exercise, you will need roughly one or two cups extra, for short bursts of exercise.

The health benefits of milk:

Children ages 4-8 years should be consuming three 8 oz. servings of milk or other dairy products every day. Children 9-18 should consume around four to five 8 oz. servings.

• Milk helps build and protect your teeth and bones.

Tips to drink more water and milk:

• Keep bottled water or a water bottle on hand.
• Add fresh lemon, lime, or orange wedges to water to add flavor.
• Try flavored milks that are low-fat.
• Send water to school with your kids instead of juice as their snack drink.
• Try keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator - lots of kids love cold water.