Marathon Runners: There’s a Downside to Drinking Too Much Water

Credit: iStock Imagine this: A runner has just begun the Badwater Ultramarathon, the hottest, toughest ultramarathon in the world, which winds 135 miles through Death Valley in the middle of July. After hours of intense racing, she feels incredibly thirsty and quickly gulps down a lot of water at an aid station. Worried about her … Continue reading Marathon Runners: There’s a Downside to Drinking Too Much Water

Here Comes the Sun (and the Heat)

Summer is in full swing, and with a near-peak number of daylight hours, chances are good that there is still plenty of light left to enjoy once your workday is done. Before you get outside and bask in the sun and heat, check out these I Spy posts that explain how your body responds to … Continue reading Here Comes the Sun (and the Heat)

What Happens during Heat Stroke and How to Prevent It

Temperatures in July and August 2016 were the hottest ever recorded on the planet and much of the U.S. is still struggling with a heat wave. Hundreds of heat-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year, and these rates are on the rise. Awareness of when the body is losing the ability to deal with … Continue reading What Happens during Heat Stroke and How to Prevent It

Kidney Trouble Could be a Downstream Consequence of the Flint Water Crisis

The water crisis in Flint, Mich., highlights the toxicity of lead. While the most publicized consequence of lead exposure are the long-term effects on developing brains, this toxic metal also damages the kidneys of adults and children. The people of Flint face a number of long-term health risks related to their current lead exposure, including … Continue reading Kidney Trouble Could be a Downstream Consequence of the Flint Water Crisis

Over 50 Percent of School-Age Children in the U.S. Are Dehydrated: Why Should We Be Alarmed?

The fluid in our body is water mixed with minerals and nutrient particles. Balancing the amount of mineral and nutrients to water level ensures that our body works properly. A recent study found that more than half of U.S. children between six and 19 are not drinking enough water. What are the health consequences if … Continue reading Over 50 Percent of School-Age Children in the U.S. Are Dehydrated: Why Should We Be Alarmed?

Water: Can You Get Too Much of a Good Thing?

Water is arguably the best drink on Earth. Drinking water provides undisputable benefits to humans, other animals and plants. We know it’s possible to overwater a plant, but what about us humans? Can we drink too much water? And is it worse to be over-hydrated or under-hydrated? “Many, many more people die from over-hydration than … Continue reading Water: Can You Get Too Much of a Good Thing?