Worksite Wellness Water Workshop

Objectives  Demonstrate knowledge by completing a review session and activity about water.  Gain the skill to increase water intake in a variety of ways within the workplace.

Importance of Water  A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water (US EPA, 2013)  Dehydration has also been shown to adversely influence decision- making and cognitive performance, which may contribute to a decline in productivity and could be associated with an increased risk of work- related accidents (European Hydration Institute, 2013).

Icebreaker Activity

National Campaign: Drink UP

Introduction  Our bodies represent a certain amount of gallons.

What are some ways that we lose water throughout the day?

We lose water by…  Sweating  Going to the bathroom  When you are sick (vomiting)  Breathing

How many cups of water should we have a day?

Benefits of Drinking Water

Benefits include:  Keeps your temperature normal  Moisten tissues such as mouth, nose and eyes  Protects body organs and tissues  Lubricates joints  Helps with digestion and constipation  Lessens the burden on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products  Carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells

Dehydration  Others Signs include:  Dry, sticky mouth  Headache  Dizziness  Dry skin  Little-to no urine output or the color is dark (apple juice)

Other ways to include water in our daily routine

Some foods include:  Fruits- apple, banana, watermelons, melons, grapefruit, strawberries, etc.  Vegetables- celery, lettuce, radish, zucchini, spinach, tomato, eggplant, etc.  Diary- milk, yogurt  Soup

Helpful tips for increasing water intake

Helpful Tips include:  Take a sip of water every time you pass the water fountain.  Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.  Have a glass of water, unsweetened tea, fat- free /skim milk or 100% fruit juice with your meals.  Place a glass of water by your desk side to have a “ water break ”.

Helpful tips cont.  Choose a cup of yogurt or fruit for a snack.  Add a piece of lemon or lime for a splash of taste.  Instead of soda, try carbonated water with a splash if juice.

Sports Drinks

Let’s Review  How many cups of water a day?  What are some benefits to drinking water?  What are the signs of dehydration?  What are other sources that we can get water from?  What are some tips to increasing water?

Activity 1: Branding your water

Policy  What changes would you like to see to increase water intake at work?  Suggestions?

Take the Pledge  The way I will increase my water intake is by….  Complete the following sentence on the pledge sheet and put it by your desk as reminder.

Closure  Thank you for having us come in today and to talk about water!