Rethink that drink

Delta Dental of Idaho, the leading dental benefits carrier in the state, provided 22 Idaho schools with new Elkay water fountain/bottle filling stations through its "Rethink Your Drink" grant program.

The two North Idaho schools to receive the new water stations are Hayden Meadows Elementary and Skyway Elementary.

"Rethink Your Drink" encourages children across the state to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. The schools will also receive reusable water bottles and dental care kits for students and staff.

The water bottle filling station offers students and staff free cold water and filters lead, chlorine and particulates. The station also indicates how many plastic bottles the students save by refilling the reusable bottles.

Water is a healthy alternative to sugary beverages like soda, sports drinks and juice, which are high in sugar and can lead to oral health issues such as tooth decay and cavities. A new American Academy of Pediatrics study published Aug. 7 shows how making water more accessible to kids leads to an increase in hydration and a decrease in children being overweight.

“Drinking water is important for good oral health and overall health and well-being,” Heather Brown, director of oral health and community outreach at Delta Dental of Idaho, said in a Sept. 6 news release.

“Drinking water helps move nutrients throughout the body, improves concentration and focus, keeps muscles moving and promotes a healthy weight," she said. "We want more students to have access to water throughout the school day to improve energy and attention and keep their teeth and bodies strong and healthy.”