DID YOU KNOW...

That when you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated? Thirst sensory messages are not reliable indicators of your body's hydration levels and therefore, drinking water throughout the day--every day--is essential. When you exercise, it is wise to increase your consumption of water. Sports drinks are appropriate during strenuous exercise lasting longer than 60-90 minutes and help the body by replacing necessary salt and electrolytes.

For the athlete, according to Dr. Bill Sears, pre-hydrate your body for three days before a sports event. "Drink extra water, approximately three-quarters of an ounce per pound (a 160-pound athlete would drink twelve 10-ounce glasses of water a day.) Since muscle contains so much water, a slight degree of dehydration can greatly diminish muscle performance. Dried-up muscles become weak." After the event:, re-hydrate yourself with plain water first. This will often prevent after-game fatigue, cramps, and abdominal upset.

For all ages, by keeping your body hydrated you will help to keep it running smoothly whether you participate in strenuous exercise or not. Water helps your body absorb nutrients, excrete toxins and wastes, maintain mental alertness, and keep you from feeling fatigued. Some other benefits of drinking plenty of water everyday are:

• Healthy looking skin
• Regulating body temperature
• Reducing risk of heart attack
• Cushioning and lubing your joints and muscles
• Feeling energized and alert
• Staying regular
• Reducing risk of disease and infection
• Burning more fat building more muscle
• General health

At SeaStones Natural Therapies, our goal is to enhance your health and wellness. For more information about our customized therapeutic massage services, please call (203) 481-7866.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers