Quenching Thirst for Knowledge and Health

Jonas always thought he was healthy. He eats healthy foods and plays basketball at his high school to stay in shape. So when he felt lightheaded at some games, he was confused. His teammate Deng added that he felt more exhausted and thirsty during some games. Both teens knew that drinking a beverage would help them feel better. Yet, they did not understand how important one beverage was for their overall health—water.

One of the habits MIKE encourages youth to follow is fundamental to every human’s well-being—getting enough water. MIKE reinforces the simple behavior of drinking more water by serving it during each class session. Each week, MIKE mentors, many of whom are early career health professionals, reinforce the importance of drinking water by encouraging the youth each week.

MIKE begins each class with serving a glass of water and a healthy snack to each youth gathered together in mentor groups. The groups include about four to five youth and a dedicated volunteer mentor inside the health classroom of Mr. Mickola at De La Salle North Catholic High School.

Interspersed between the lively conversations, the youth usually focus their comments on the snack, with little thought about how vital water is to their health. “It’s just there,” said one youth.

During this week’s MIKE session, the youth would learn that there’s more to water than a simple beverage. Jonas and Deng said they are eager to learn just how important water is for their health and physical fitness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) water is vital to human life. It provides the best hydration without calories or unnecessary additives. Water supports muscles, joints and tissues, along with improving the digestive system. Voices for Healthy Kids, a project of the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, states that adequate amounts of water helps increase children’s cognitive performance, visual attention and fine motor skills.

By the end of the class session, the teens realized how water quenches more than their thirst. “Wow, I really learned something new today,” said Jonas. MIKE Founder and Executive Director Cheryl Neal, MD, who leads MIKE’s class presentation, handed out reusable water bottles to the youth. “Having a water bottle helps a lot,” said Deng. “Now I can always have it with me.”