August, 2002

Drinking more water and less of Starbucks coffee, beer, fruity iced teas, soda, and other beverages may lower your risk of having a heart attack, according to a study published in the May 1, 2002 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. The investigators examined data from a lifestyle survey sent to more than 20,000 men and women in 1976. They found that during the six year study period, women who drank more than five 8-ounce glasses of water each day had a 41% less chance of dying from a heart attack when compared to those who drank two or fewer glasses each day. Men who consumed large amounts of water demonstrated a 54% reduction in their chance of dying from a heart attack. The opposite correlation was seen for participants who drank larger quantities of non-water fluids. Water is an essential calorie-free part of your diet. You generally should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Consume even larger quantities when exposed to warm temperatures and during periods of physical exertion.

Gatorade and other sport drinks are the exception in case of heatstroke and extreme physical activity such as Olympic events. Gatorade and Powerade restore electrolytes that allow your body to process water. However, don't let your dehydration get to that point. A rule of thumb: By the time you feel dehydrated, chances are you've lost all of your body water, so drink liberally. In Death Valley during the summer, the park recommends 1-1/2 gallons of water during ordinary activity and 3 gallons during a strenuous hike up to Telescope Peak or Dante's View.

When packing jugs of water, use a home water distiller to save money on cases of bottled water. We recommend the Waterwise Distiller 4000 and 9000, at prices so low LivingRight can't disclose them! E-mail waterwise@openchute.com for these great deals!