Just Add Water

Here are some fun facts about water:

· 71% of the earth is covered by water.

· The human body is composed of 60-65% water.

· Camels can go up to seven months without drinking water.

Unlike camels, we humans need to take in water much more frequently than every seven months. Many health experts agree that eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day is a good goal, but it may be on the shallow side of the spectrum. Let’s not forget that we live in the desert and soaring temperatures will increase our need for water. Our physical activity level can also increase our need for more water. We lose water through normal bodily functions such as breathing, urinating, sweating, and even digestion.

Several studies support that water intake can affect both energy and brain function. Even mild dehydration can negatively impact these important operations. Water helps lubricate joints in the body, reducing friction, and can facilitate the reduction of pain as well. It is a vital component in maintaining the health of intervertebral disk material. Dehydrated spinal disks generally result in increased spinal pain, requiring ASAP services such as lumbar epidurals, medial branch blocks, LAND procedures, and others.

We all need to make a concerted effort to stay well-hydrated. This one item is a simple thing that each of us can do to help maintain our health and strength. Most of you have heard the old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, well . . . an apple is 85% water.