A Healthy Lifestyle is Based Around Good Hydration

24 July 2013 12:02

NI Water is reinforcing the message that a healthy lifestyle for all ages is based on good hydration.

Water is a basic nutrient of the body and is essential for survival.  It is essential to keep your body well hydrated, flush toxins from your system whilst retaining vital vitamins and minerals.  Water forms a major part of our blood (approx. 82%), lubricates joints, eyes, aids digestion and helps you look better by keeping skin smooth.

With younger people enjoying the warm weather, it is important they keep hydrated.  Water reduces the risk of cramps and tiredness, helps with healthy skin, bones, hair and nails.  As well as providing extra energy, water helps to increase concentration and improve memory.

Good hydration for older people increases levels of tissue oxygen and enhances ulcer healing, helps maintain a healthy urinary tract and kidneys and can help against blood clot formation.

NI Water's aim is to raise awareness in the value of high quality tap water and the associated health benefits from drinking tap water.  The 'Water for Health' initiative encourages you to keep hydrated by drinking the recommended daily amount of water.

NI Water Director of Customer Service Deliver, Liam Mulholland, said: ''One of NI Water's initiatives is 'Water for Health' which is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of drinking water as part of a healthy lifestyle.

NI Water are keen to encourage young children to drink plenty of water especially during this prolonged period of hot weather.  Even slight dehydration can cause feelings of tiredness and reduced alertness, which will affect a child's interest in being active, therefore impacting on their overall wellbeing. 

NI Water are conscious of the impact the hot weather is having on older people and would encourage neighbours to keep a check on vulnerable neighbours and encourage regular hydration.  NI Water have a range of initiatives which are particularly important to older people, including a Customer Codes of Practice.  We would encourage the public to telephone our Waterline number on 08457 44 00 88 to find out more about these services.''

Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Mary Peters added: ''I strongly believe in making sure I am properly hydrated; it's a habit I learnt as an athlete.  In this lovely hot weather we are having, I am always topping up my water intake.  Everyone should get into the habit of drinking water regularly at all times of the year.''

ENDS.