Good Health || Summer 2007 SUMMER 2007 ISSUE: Main Page NOW HEAR THIS: Ways to avoid hearing loss GOT WATER? Make sure you get enough BIG RED: The tomato can't escape controversy CREATE AN HERB CONTAINER: Tasty and good for you! RICHMOND DIGITS: Summer Health HEALTHY SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS: Minimize your risks UNCOVERING POISON IVY: Prevent itchy mishaps SAVING FACE: Invigorate, Protect, Repair ENHANCE YOUR "SOLE" MATES: Feet need the right shoes year-round || GOT WATER? Make sure you get enough

Water is considered the most essential nutrient of all because life simply cannot exist without it for very long. It accounts for up to 65 percent of total adult body weight. Water carries nutrition and oxygen to all parts of the body, removes waste products, lubricates joints, relates body temperature, and allows literally thousands of lifesupporting chemical reactions to take place 24/7. People losing weight also need to pay special attention to drinking enough water because it helps prevent constipation, maintain muscle tone, and plump up the skin.

Water deserves more attention than it gets, so why aren't we drinking the recommended amount?

Water deserves more attention than it gets, so why aren't we drinking the recommended amount? While the reasons are many, most people don't drink enough because of convenience issues, taste, and not feeling thirsty.

A lot of people wonder if tap water is OK or if they need to buy bottled water instead. It gets more confusing when we read about water ionizers and various types of filtration systems, including distillation, the granular activated charcoal (GAC) process, and reverse osmosis, to name a few. The GAC process picks up organic contaminants in the water as it passes through a filter and reduces the chlorine taste of the water. Brita and PUR water filters are good examples of GAC. Therefore, if the taste of water in your household is a problem, using filtered water will improve it. Plus, the process can cost less in the long run than bottled water. While home filtration systems can improve the taste or appearance of tap water at minimal cost, consumers must maintain these filters to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from building up.

Mineral water is natural spring water bottled at the source. Depending upon the source, the mineral content will vary. If your diet requires mineral restriction, be sure to find out what the mineral content of the water is before drinking it.

Tap water comes from the household faucet and originates from surface water sources. If you are concerned about the safety of your tap water, contact your local health department, which can test your tap water free of charge. The FDA has adapted essentially the same EPA standards for both tap and bottled water. However, bottled water doesn't usually contain fluoride (unless stated otherwise on the label). If you have any concerns about getting adequate fluoride because you drink primarily bottled water, speak with your dentist or doctor.

Janet V. Starkey, RD, CDE practices at the Nutrition Clinic, VCU Health System, 1201 East Marshall St. in Richmond, VA. (804) 828-0970.

We can all train ourselves to consume more water by drinking smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day, by experimenting with flavors to find ones we like, and by keeping water in a handy container. I bring filtered water from home to work every day because it's easy, tastes good, and is less expensive than bottled waters.

So, instead of the usual coffee break, take a water break to keep up your energy level. Here's to drinking to your health!