Encouraging Hydration and Healthy Habits at McGregor Kids Club

Author: Hannah Colby, RD, LD, CLS

Community Health Specialist with Aitkin County Public Health

Aitkin County Public Health partnered with the McGregor School District’s Kids Club to promote healthy hydration habits through an engaging and educational initiative. To encourage water consumption during after-school programming, Aitkin County Public Health sponsored reusable water bottles for each student.

Students had the opportunity to personalize their water bottles by selecting a wellbeing message that resonated with them, creating excitement and a sense of ownership. Messages like "Hydrate for Health," "Water Fuels Me," and "Choose Wellness Every Day" reminded students of the benefits of staying hydrated.

The program also included a fun and interactive nutrition education session, Rethink Your Drink, where students learned about the importance of choosing water over sugary beverages. The session concluded with a taste test featuring three refreshing infused water recipes, such as lemon-rosemary (big hit among the kids), strawberry-mint, and orange-basil.

This initiative not only provided students with a practical tool for hydration but also empowered them with knowledge and healthier habits. The success of this partnership demonstrates how small changes, like promoting water consumption, can make a big impact on the wellbeing of children in Aitkin County.