#>LiVeWell Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS August 2016 The Benefits of H2O Every living thing needs water to survive. Without water, our bodies would stop working properly inasmuch as our bodies are around 60% water and the body makes good use of every drop you put into it. The fluids help with digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, and maintains body temperature. How much is enough? Listen to your body, you can help your body by drinking when your thirsty and drink extra when it's warm out. Your body can take fluids from more than just wa ter. Any fluid you drink contains water, but beverages with caffeine and alcohol can cause ex cess excretion of fluids which can lead to dehydration. Lots of food contain quite a bit of water too. You can tell when you bite into a juicy peach or plum. Studies show that even mild dehydration can impair brain function. A l%-3% fluid loss can impair mood, concentration, and increase headaches. Drinking water may help or prevent headaches especially in those who are dehydrated. Listen to your doctor. Kidney failure and congestive heart failure require a restricted fluid in take. Follow your doctors instruction if you have these conditions or other medical restrictions. Stay hydrated, your body will thank you! Regulates Body Temperature Moistens tissues such as those in the mouth, eyes and nose Lubricates joints Protects Ixxty organs and tissues Helps prevent constipation Lessens the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste Helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the body ^ ^ Intermountain Games nutrients and oxygen to cells McKay-Dee Hospital