Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Water Saves Lives

Some people don't like to drink water before they go to bed because they say "I'll get woken up by having to pee!"

But Kangen water doesn't have that effect.

I drink about 9-10 ounces before going to sleep at 11 p.m. and usually don't wake up before 6 a.m.

But here's some news, there are some good reasons why drinking water at night is better for you.
2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs, 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion, 1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure, 1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack.

I never knew that!
Another tidbit from a cardiac specialist: people urinate a lot at night because during the day gravity keeps water in the lower part of the body, but when you lie down, the water can get to the kidneys easier and then they signal that it's time to remove it.

If you are having swelling in the legs, drink more water. Did you know that many people are really dehydrated? Truly 7 glasses of water is just a minimum, if they are only 8 oz. each.

And naturally, consult with your doctor if you are urinating a lot at night.

Also, if you have charlie horse cramps during the night, I've had a lot of success in stopping them by doing two things. I drink water before going to bed and I also include potassium (bananas) in my diet. Leg muscles are looking for hydration when they cramp and drinking water after the fact doesn't really help as much as drinking it ahead of time.

Let me know if these bits of information are helpful for you.

Saving Water

It crossed my mind earlier this spring as I was washing my hands and the still very cold, wintery water was freezing my hands, that there has to be a way to get that water warmer so it isn't wasted.

Perhaps I could keep a thermos of hot water near by, mixing it with the cold water when the sink is stoppered. And this is how inventions are created… solving a problem.

Here are some more tips gathered from the Internet.

  • Don't let the water run continuously when washing dishes, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
  • Take shorter showers...  showers lasting less than 5 minutes might save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
  • Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • Fix leaky faucets: Just one drip a second can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year.
  • If practical, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine only when completely full.
  • If you live in an older home, consider replacing your plumbing with low-flow fixtures and low-flush toilets. Sometimes you can find tax benefits from your state for such replacements.
  • Water your lawn only when necessary and consider landscaping with native plants adaptable to your climate's conditions.
  • Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water to use to water plants later. This also works when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.
  • Place water collection vessels such as barrels or large buckets to collect rain water from down spouts and gutters. Use the water to water your plants. Or to take a shower… LOL!
  • Use the garbage disposal minimally and compost instead.
What are some ideas that you have to add to this list?

A Celebration of Water in Sequim

Another celebration of water, held annually in Sequim, WA, for the past 119 years, is the Sequim Irrigation Festival on the Olympic Peninsula.
It ran this year from May 2 to May 11, celebrating the day that D.R. "Crazy" Callun and his team opened the floodgates of the irrigation system to provide water to the dry prairie lands of Sequim on May 1, 1895.
You can read more about the festival history here and how it has evolved into the two-weekend event that it is.

I was distracted with personal concerns, so I did not attend.

But I can assure you that it is well worth the drive (or ferry ride) to come and see the work of regional artisans and artists, discover more about this remarkable area and to eat some terrific foods and hear great musicians.

Perhaps I will see you there next year!