October 31, 2012

Water is essential to our survival. We need water to manufacture blood, produce tears, digest our food and for a whole bunch of other important bodily functions. More than 50 percent of the human body is water and if we go too long without it we may feel tired, run-down and irritable.

Many people live in areas of the world where clean water is not available. We are fortunate to live in place where we have constant access to clean water. Take advantage of that! Water contains no calories and is a great, healthy substitute to soda, juice and sweetened coffees and teas.

Before you run to Jewel and buy a 24-pack of water bottles, remember that we have water dispensers conveniently located throughout campus:

  • Coughlin Commons
  • Commuter Lounge (outside the bookstore)
  • Academic Enrichment Center (Parmer 010)
  • Ministry Center (Lewis 216)
  • Career Development (Parmer 010)
  • Outside the Underground by the Athletic Training Room
  • In the SIRC (Coughlin 040)

Instead of using disposable water bottles and wasting all that plastic, invest in a nice, sturdy reusable water bottle (or you can pick up a free, stylish orange one from Career Development when you bring in your resume for them to review!).

Nutrition professionals recommend that we drink at least 64 ounces of water a day (eight 8-ounce cups).  This is easier said than done. Unless you plan to wear a Camelbak everywhere you go it is difficult to remind yourself to drink water regularly. If you are not used to drinking large quantities of water, set a goal and give yourself a few weeks to work up to it. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning
  • Drink another glass before you go to class
  • Carry a water bottle to class and drink water during and between classes
  • Drink water with each of your meals (try substituting it for fountain drinks)
  • Drink plenty of water before and after you exercise
  • Order water when you go out to eat
  • Have your water bottle handy while you study
  • Drink a glass of water before you go to bed

One last point to remember: Water is especially important when you are sick – so up your quota if you are feeling stressed or under the weather!