1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half world population.)
2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.
4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.
5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50%less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?
Algonquin Times Online www.algonquinc.on.ca/times/news5.html February 19, 2003 Water bottle bacteria risk cited By Lucas Cutler Algonquin Times staff Students trying to save a buck by reusing water bottles should be aware that they’re risking their health. Dangerous bacteria and potentially toxic plastic compounds have been found in the types of water bottles typically reused in schools and workplaces countrywide, reported the Canadian Press. A study of water bottles, authored by Cathy Ryan of the University of Calgary, found bacteria in elementary school children’s bottles that would prompt health officials to issue boil-water advisories, had the samples come from a tap. The bacteria likely came from the kids’ hands and mouths over time as they repeatedly used the same bottles without washing them or allowing them to dry, said Ryan. Researchers discovered bacterial contamination in about a third of the samples collected from kids’ water bottles. Some samples even showed evidence of fecal coliforms. Dr. Gerry Predy, Edmonton’s medical officer of health sent out a public warning to keep the bottles clean. Single-use soft-drink and water bottles are commonly made of a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which, while considered safe for its intended use, was found to break down over time. The Canadian Bottled Water Association recommends that bottles be used only once. The International Bottle Water Association also recommends using the bottles only once. “These convenience-sized PET containers are designed and intended for single use only and easy recycling and compatibility with the recycling system. After consumption of the product, PET containers should be placed in a recycling bin for collection or returned for deposit, where and if applicable,” said vice-president of communications Stephen R. Kay. Dr. Richard Rowland, a doctor at Algonquin’s health centre, agrees that bottles should only be used once, especially during the summer because heat causes bacteria to grow faster. Preliminary research conducted by a graduate student at the University of Idaho suggests that the kind of thorough washing that could kill bacteria might make the bottles unsafe in another way. Frequent washing might accelerate the break-down of the plastic, potentially causing chemicals to leak into the water, their study found. “The fact is, a lot of these compounds have not really been studied in terms of their human health effects,” Margrit von Braun, a University of Idaho professor told the Canadian Press. Plastics experts contend the bottles are safe. The study ultimately concluded little is known about what happens when the bottles are reused. “The longer you used it, the more stuff ended up in the water,” said von Braun. Karen Chiarelli, a secretary in the health center, was unaware of these findings, “I wash my bottle in the dishwasher,” she said. One of the toxins that frequently appeared in water samples from the reused water bottles was DEHA (diethylhydroxylamine), a carcinogen regulated in drinking water because it has been found to cause weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties. Von Braun said she was surprised to discover how widespread the reuse was — and how long some people would hold on to a single bottle. “A lot of people use them for weeks, and sometimes months, literally until it's leaking,” said von Braun. But with individual water bottles costing up to CAN$1.50 at the college, students may try and squeeze as much use out of their bottles as possible. Recycling Water Bottles May Be Recycling Germs: How Trying To Do Good Can Be Bad For Your Health by eHealth@24hre.com http://www.24hre.com/contenta.cfm?Primary_Cat_ID=7&ARTICLE_ID=5760 January 30, 2003 -- By Sara J. Cartwright – Staff Writer, Health Priority Take a peek into the interior of the refrigerator of someone, anyone that you know, or maybe even into yours. Chances are, along with the numerous foods that have been purchased for their health properties – containing vitamins or antioxidants – are numerous water bottles of varying sizes that have been filled and refilled time and again. A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, followed by more research begun by the University of Idaho has shown that such an attempt to save money by reusing a previously purchased water bottle may only be gaining you harmful bacteria, some of which are even suspected to cause cancer. “While people may think they’re doing a good deed for the environment when they reuse water bottles for anything from orange juice in a bagged lunch to a week’s worth of water refills from the office water cooler,” researchers state that this could actually pose a risk to their health. Dangerous bacteria and potentially toxic plastic compounds had been found in the types of water bottles typically reused in classrooms and workplaces all over Canada. Bacteria found in the water bottles would even prompt health officials to issue boil-water advisories, had the samples come from a regular tap. Some of the samples even showed evidence of fecal coliforms, which would cause a local water supply to be shut down if detected in the public’s water supply. One of the toxins that frequently appeared in water samples from the reused bottles was DEHA, a carcinogen regulated in drinking water because it has been found to cause weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties. It also suspected that DEHA could cause cancer in humans. While the initial response may be to simply assure that both bottles and the hands that come into contact with it are frequently and properly washed, studies conducted in the United States suggest that the thorough washing needed to kill bacteria may render the bottles unsafe in another manner. The study found that frequent washing might contribute to the breakdown of the plastic commonly found in water bottles. This could potentially cause chemicals to leach into the liquid within the bottle. “The fact is, a lot of these compounds have not really been studied in terms of their human health effects,” said Margrit von Braun, a professor at the University of Idaho. Single-use bottles used for both soft drinks and water bottles are commonly made of a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, while considered safe for its intended, initial use, was found to break down over time. “The longer you used it, the more stuff ended up in the water,” said von Braun. Von Braun also voiced her shock at discovering how widespread water bottle reuse is, as well as the extended periods of time the reuse continues. In some cases, the same water bottles had been reused for six months at a time. In response to the study, the Canadian Bottled Water Association advises against reusing this type of container altogether. Designed only for a single use, the bottles should be used and then recycled, due to the fact that people are unable to properly sterilize the bottles on their own. Elizabeth Griswold, executive director of the Canadian Bottled Water Association, when questioned about the practice of reusing water bottles simply states, “All I would be able to say is that it’s not something we recommend.
”Love All, Serve All.
