www.whyville.net May 30, 2003 Weekly Issue



TIKE
Times Writer

H2O

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In scientific terms, water is composed of two hydrogen and one oxygen molecule. As I am writing this, I ensure that I have a glass of water beside me, because although we may not always realize it, water plays an important role in not just our environment, but also our bodies. It allows us to maintain a healthy body image -??? both inside and out.

Approximately 3/4 of a human body is made up of water, and although our bodies can cope without food for a number of days, going without water can cause serious problems, even if you do so for only two or three days. Three-quarters of the surface of our earth is covered with water, and it connects us with the rest of the natural world ???- plant and animal communities depend on water in many of the same ways that we do. In fact, since every drop of water is used repeatedly, water has been referred to as the ultimate in recycling!

Someone had mentioned in a previous article that water is important in healthy eating habits and body image, especially during exercise. Water can actually help you lose weight because it flushes out your body system ???- cleaning many of your organs and such. Cold ice water is not only calorie-free, but it raises your metabolism, making you burn fat at a quicker rate. That is part of why they suggest that you drink so much, especially if you are engrossing yourself in a new diet or exercise routine.

Did you know that you can lose water from everyday activities? While you are sweating, you lose approximately 34 percent of your water, and from urine and feces together, you lose the majority of your water (which is 52 percent -- and true!). Even when you breathe, you lose about 14 percent. However, you also contribute to your water input by drinking, eating, and your metabolism. Your body is constantly replenishing your water, as long as you take the initiative to eat and drink properly.

During exercise, it is important that you drink water before and after your routine. This helps to replace the water that you have lost during the process of working out. If you fail to do this, then you can become dehydrated without realizing it, and in many cases, this affects your athletic (and academic) performances. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are better choices to drink than soft drinks, coffee, or tea, which are all chock-full with caffeine -- though they all have more calories than good old H20!

Drink healthy and be sure that you get those six to eight glasses of water in a day! Although I do not encourage dieting for people of such an age as most of us are, if you pay attention to your body now, you will find it much easier to maintain a healthier lifestyle when you are older.

Brand New Colony,
TIKE

 

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