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Stay hydrated for good health! CA NEWS

Submitted by Sandie Kienitz, Emergency Management JULY 2017 SUNRAYS | 9
Committee member

The Mayo Clinic reports that water is essential
to good health. Water is your body’s principal
chemical component and makes up 60 percent
of your body weight. Unfortunately, as you age,
you retain less water. The percentage of water
in men decreases to 52 percent and in women to 45 percent.
Every system of your body depends on water:
– Water flushes toxins out of vital organs (through the kidneys
and liver).
– Water moistens tissues: mouth, eyes and nose.
– Water helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make
them accessible to the body.
– Water regulates body temperature.
– Water lubricates joints.
– Water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells (through the blood).
– Water helps prevent constipation and kidney stones.

Water makes up
60% of

your body weight.
As you age, that

percentage
decreases to
• 52% in men
• 45% in women

HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED?
The Institute of Medicine recommends that we should drink eight
8-ounce glasses of fluid a day. That is about two quarts daily. A
minimum of 1½ quarts a day is recommended for older adults.
REMEMBER TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER:

– After waking up – it helps activate internal organs.
– Before meals – it helps digestion.
– Before going to bed – it helps to prevent leg cramps.
– With your medications and vitamins.
– Do a mid-day urine check – if dark or cloudy, drink more

water!
– Between meals – flavored with fresh lemon, lime, orange,

strawberries or watermelon – very tasty!
– If you feel hungry, drink water first – you may really be thirsty.
– Before, during and after exercise.
Remember: Drinking fluids improves your mood, cognitive, motor
skills and memory. Your brain works better with good hydration!

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