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"Water is Vital" To get yourself in peak physical form, a training program must consist of more than just warm-ups, exercise, and cool-downs. Your eating habits are equally important. What is the most vital nutrient of all? WATER. Your need for water is increased by any type of physical exertion. According to the International Sports Medicine Institute, active people need 2/3 of an ounce of water per pound of body weight to meet their daily requirement. That means that a 150 pound person needs a little more than 12 glasses of water per day. Professional athletes such as Oreg LeMond, who competed in the 1994 Tour de France, recommends drinking plenty of water before, during and after a workout since water loss and dehydration can be serious problems for both professional and amateur athletes. Water is the preferred beverage for hydration because it doesn't contain sugar or sodium, which can slow the rate that your body absorbs water. When watching your waistline, it is very important to drink plenty of water because it helps to burn fat more efficiently. In addition, diet or regular soda may contain caffeine that causes your kidneys to remove extra water possibly resulting in dehydration. As you grow older, your proportion of fat stores increases while the lean muscle tissue decreases. Since fat holds less water than muscle, older people tend to be at greater risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. So, drink to your health! The American Dietetic Association recommends starting with eight, 8 ounce glasses of water a day and adding two cups for every hour of exercise. Written by Cathleen Pleadwell, Advance Pump & Filter Co., Inc. (top)
"The Invisible Destroyer" Without ever knowing it, part of your household's infrastructure may be deteriorating little by little. We're not talking about carpenter ants or termites, but an enemy that may be lurking in your water supply, such as acidity (a low pH), iron and manganese. While each by itself is not considered a health concern, a low pH is something that should not be taken lightly. When acidic water is combined with copper pipes or lead solder in the plumbing, the result is that the metal will corrode and enter your drinking water. Often times, the first clue that low pH is a problem is blue/green Stains around faucets and fixtures. By corroding any metal it comes in Contact with, acidic water reduces the life of appliances such as hot Water heaters, water pumps, dishwashers, etc. Iron and manganese are minerals that are often present in well water. Brown and black staining on clothing and fixtures is the most common complaint of these nuisances. In severe cases, pipes can become plugged with iron and manganese causing low water pressure. The above water quality problems can be fixed. It is recommended that well water be tested once a year, and more frequently if you suspect a problem. Select a State Certified Lab. Water tests range in cost from $25 to $75 for a general analysis. When selecting a company to treat the water, choose one that thoroughly explains your options and offers a guarantee that the system will work. A water filter system is an important appliance often times required for well water, so make sure you get a system that will solve your problem and a company that will stand behind their product. Written by Cathleen Pleadwell, Advance Pump & Filter Co., Inc. (top) |
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