This graphic to your right is genius! I think it speaks to the millions who suffer across the globe. Drink water? Don’t drink water? Crazy to think that this is even a struggle, but researchers show that 75 to 80% of America fall short. How can this be? What in the world is our problem as a whole? I’m sure we’ve all heard stories of other countries which have a shortage in water, and here we take it for granted. So, maybe, I should have titled this with something like “Taking the Small Essentials for Granted,” or “America! We Don’t Have Too Because We’re Free!” Begs to question ~ are we taking water for granted; are we stuck in the “American Dream” of freedom to do what the hell we want?

A dear friend of mine had been suffering stomach pain for several months. He thought it was either a gas bubble or something eaten that needed to be removed from his diet. One day he called, I believe, on his lunch break while pulling up to some food and/or drink place to order a slushy. I heard the lady on the intercom ask, “Sir, would you like a small, medium or large?” He was getting ready to say a medium to large but I chimed loudly, “SMALL!” I knew he didn’t even need the small do to extenuating circumstances. So, he ordered the small but, unfortunately, the pain worsened. A couple of weeks later my little brother called asking me how my friend was doing. I told him I wasn’t sure because we hadn’t spoken in a few. He says, “Sis, he was in the hospital! It was on Facebook.”

I texted my friend to see how he was. He couldn’t talk at the time but texted stating it wasn’t good. He called me a few days later telling me he almost died! My mouth dropped. The doctor told him he was completely dehydrated! He needed two IV bags. His kidneys were working overtime due to the dehydration and, on top of that, he’s a type 2 diabetic.

A few years ago other brother was telling me about a nutritionist friend mentioning that any time you feel thirsty that means you’re already dehydrated. Summer months are dog eat dog. Depending on where you’re located, I gather the thought is you don’t need to drink that much water, but dehydration doesn’t know seasons. Even when the weather is cold as an iceberg you need water! Hydration is a huge part of our living. We (adults) are made up of about 60% of water. That is a significant amount.

I hope this encourages you to put down the soft drinks, teas, coffee, wine, SLUSHY, etc., and pick up a tasty glass of water! It’s dire for you and those you love!