Did you know up to 75 percent of your body’s weight is made up of water? With that said, your body is losing water constantly throughout the day. According to Benjamin Wedro, M.D., “Water is a critical element of the body, and adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function.”
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After conducting an informal survey of 52 Keene State College students, 25 percent said they do not drink enough water in a day, and 36 percent of those surveyed said they drink seven or more 8 ounce glasses of water a day. This study shows there are students who make a conscious effort to stay hydrated throughout the day.
However, there is a bulk of students who do not intake a healthy amount. According to Healthy-Skincare.com, drinking a sufficient amount of water flushes toxins from the body, benefits your muscles, helps to prevent kidney stones, and boosts energy. Exercise Science major and member of the KSC women’s soccer team, Brittany Croteau, said she carries a Nalgene with her and drinks approximately three bottles a day.
“It’s a habit for me,” Croteau explained, “But there are so many options for juice and soda in the D.C.” She said this might be one of the reasons why some students have a hard time drinking enough water. Marjorie Droppa, a health science professor at KSC, said research on the proper amount of water to be consumed per day remains divided among experts.“We don’t know the best quantity. It’s best to be broad minded, and consider the foods we eat that contain water,” Droppa suggested. Droppa told students to acknowledge the role of food and the high water content found in fruits and vegetables.
“There are other alternatives for water intake,” she explained, “It doesn’t always have to be just plain old water.” Droppa warned students who choose flavor enhancers to always examine the label before purchasing. She also addressed a common misconception that in a colder climate, such as New England, water intake is less crucial than in a warmer climate.
Droppa said, “There are risks either way, if you’re not drinking enough water,” she continued, “We are made up of water, in order for our bodies to thrive biologically we need water. We need to make sure we’re drinking enough whether it’s hot or cold out.” Droppa added for the students who work out, hydration should be taken into special consideration. “We function best when we’re fully hydrated. There are guidelines that surround exercise and hydration,” she said.
Zachary Ponce, a KSC senior and BodyWorks staff member at the Spaulding Gym, said being properly hydrated is important. “By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” Ponce stated. He also explained if students are working out each day, it’s vital to drink water prior to your exercise routine and to stay hydrated after.
Ponce said, “A lot of students just drink during their work out, but that actually makes you cramp up.” Junior Danielle Strauss said she keeps a Brita in her room and a water bottle on her at all times. “I bring a water bottle with me everywhere, I know it’s good for my skin, and it’s better than soda,” Strauss added.
She also pointed out that the KSC campus offers many places for students to refill their bottles. So students can be sure they are getting just enough water each day, it comes down to one simple test – a urine check.
Droppa said many people do not know how to tell if they’re drinking enough throughout the day, and suggested students draw conclusions from the color of their urine. “If you’re drinking enough, your urine should be clear,” she said. “We all go to the bathroom, and its a quick and easy way to figure out if you’re getting the hydration you need.”
Keep calm and carry on, Keene State.
Julie Conlon can be contacted at jconlon1@ksc.mailcruiser.com
Kim Borkowski can be contacted at kborkowski@ksc.mailcruiser.com