Living in a coastal town like Beaufort offers the opportunity to access the beach and the ocean on a regular basis.
The interaction with this vast scenery contributes to the generally improved health of people who live on the coast. Water, from its macro form in shaping oceans and rivers, to its micro level as an essential element in all of our lives, is the earth’s best substance.
Water covers about 71 percent of the earth.
Over 96 percent of that is the salty ocean. Other than in the ocean, the largest volume of surface water on earth is held in glaciers and ice caps, which make up about 70 percent. Another 30 percent of the earth’s freshwater is held in groundwater and aquifers. This leaves just over one percent of the planet’s freshwater to make up the rivers, lakes, streams, etc..
I have often witnessed the happiness that comes with getting out on the water. There are few feelings better than the pleasant fatigue following a fun day of boating, kayaking, paddle boarding or hanging out at the beach.
The act of observing sea life at aquariums reduces human stress.
In fact, the greater variety of sea life offered to participants to watch, the greater stress reduction they experienced. Getting out on the water is a great way to get exercise. It’s also one of the most potent stress reduction techniques known to science.
We all know that drinking water is essential to optimal health, but few people know the full range of ways that it works to sustain the human body. Many essential bodily functions depend on water in order to operate. Digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of body temperature depend on H2O. Unless you are taking certain medications, your kidneys should communicate with your brain to trigger a feeling of thirst.
It’s important to avoid alcohol when you’re thirsty because it interferes with kidney-brain communication.
Drinking lots of water helps you lose weight by replacing higher-calorie beverages with calorie-free H2O. Water is essential to exercise as well, because it keeps muscles plump and prevents muscle collapse and fatigue. Other benefits in skin hydration, kidney function and release of toxins.
Celebrate water and enjoy its benefits by kayaking or boating. Get outside this month, and be sure to stay hydrated!
By Jessie Renew
