The importance of staying hydrated at CCWF
Around the end of May, while walking around the track training a Little Angels Service dog, I saw a commotion at the Facility B program office. Of course, my journalist hat popped on.
Residents were waiting to be released for their main yard groups and events when staff announced that no one could go through the gate with a water bottle. According to a recent memorandum, residents are not authorized to bring their water bottles to the main yard.
You would think it would be simple for residents to drink the amount of fluids needed in order to stay hydrated here at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) — especially when temperatures rise above 100 degrees with little to no shade. But often, people admit they are probably not drinking enough water.
Residents get so busy that stopping to drink water is the last thing on their minds. When we have a bottle to carry around it can make a big difference. That’s why the new water bottle restriction is a concern.
Main yard groups or events can last anywhere from two to six hours. There are drinking fountains but residents are not thinking about side trips to lap up water from a slow-drizzle fountain.
A study done by the Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects claims that after distributing reusable water bottles, survey takers increased their water consumption by 65%. So try to carry around a water bottle if you can!
Human beings are made up of about 80% water. Henry Ford Health, a healthcare facility based in Michigan, claims that every organ, cell, and tissue in our bodies use it to function properly, which is why drinking enough water every day is important.
Just like there are benefits to staying hydrated there is also a flip side. The risks of dehydration includes headaches, slow digestive system, fatigue, and weight gain. The National Library of Medicine explains that dehydration restricts circulatory functions and brain health leading to cognitive decline.
The National Academy of Medicine recommends that men consume 125 ounces and women about 90 ounces of fluid per day.
But keep in mind, not all fluids are created equal.
I know there are a lot of coffee drinkers at CCWF — myself included.
According to Verywell Health, an award-winning resource for credible, fact-based and up-to-date information. “Drinking coffee can contribute to your daily hydration,” they claim, “but moderation is key. While it counts towards fluid intake, excessive consumption may lead to dehydration.”
So drink, but drink an extra cup of water per cup of coffee, just to be safe.
What we put into our bodies not only impacts our health, but our appearance.
“When you’re dehydrated, skin loses its elasticity,” Westlake Dermatology claims, “drinking more water can replenish bounce for skin that looks smoother and more youthful.”
“For me, I want to be young and beautiful. I notice I have a little more glow on my face when I drink water,” said CCWF resident Wendy Gomez.
