World-renowned hydration experts convened at the third Hydration Network Meeting, held in Verona on 13 September. Organised by the European Hydration Institute (EHI), the event provided a platform to discuss the latest thinking around the health impacts of hydration.
The European Hydration Institute is the first independent European-wide organisation focussing solely on hydration. Founded in early 2010, the EHI´s focus is to advance and share knowledge and understanding of all matters relating to human hydration, including the effects of hydration on health, wellness and performance. To that end, the EHI funds a number of hydration research projects across Europe.
"Occasions such as the Hydration Network Meeting are fundamental to opening up the hydration debate," commented Prof Andrea Poli, Director of scientific affairs of the NFI (Nutrition Foundation of Italy) and one of the four founding partners of the EHI. He said: "It is very important to have a constant dialogue about hydration all year round and not just during the summer months. All healthcare professionals should consider hydration a priority and should never disregard such an important topic."
Speaking at the conference, Dr Giovanni Montini, Professor of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics, S. Orsola Hospital Bologna, highlighted a particularly vulnerable age group and reminded delegates that hydration is extremely important in all stages of life. He said: "Even though the quantity of water that children and adults should drink everyday is not vastly different, children and babies are more susceptible to dehydration. Anyone responsible for the care of a child, such as parents, teachers and doctors, should be looking out for the signs of dehyration, especially during hot weather or when that child is sick."
Jane Holdsworth, Director of the European Hydration Institute expressed her delight at the progress that has been made so far. She said: "It has been a few years now since we started working to improve awareness of the importance of hydration for the wellbeing of every individual. We are glad to be here today to share our commitments with our colleagues from all over the world; their contributions have been invaluable to us."
About the European Hydration Institute:
The European Hydration Institute (EHI) is a foundation established with the objectives of advancing and sharing knowledge and understanding of all matters relating to human hydration and the effects of hydration on health, wellness and performance. The Institute collaborates with independent health and nutrition experts to develop research that contributes to a better understanding of the problem of hydration across all sectors of the population.
For more information: www.europeanhydrationinstitute.org/it/
