Since there seems to be an onslaught of poor health, traceable directly to poor nutrition, articles concerning proper nutrition are becoming more plentiful day by day in the newspapers, magazines and radio and television reports. Out of all the analyses, however, the one least mentioned, and probably most critical, is featured in a neighborhood newspaper to which I subscribe. The opening sentence of the story in the February 28th issue of THE STAR is "The next time you reach for a drink, do yourself a favor; make it a glass of water."

I am a witness-bearer to the wisdom of that suggestion. Many years ago, I was working at the Post Office in St. Louis and I suddenly fell ill one night. I was rushed to a doctor and examined thoroughly. I was shocked when he finished examining me and his first words were, "When is the last time you had a drink of water?" I frankly could not remember. I had been drinking a lot of things, but water was not one of them. I started making sure that I drank a reasonable amount of water, whether I was thirsty or not, and my problems subsided.

Many people are quick to state, "I drink a lot of liquids." That is not the same thing. For our bodies to get the true benefit of water, we must drink it straight � no chaser! Coffee, soda pop, etc. won�t do the job. Health experts recommend that adults drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day. One doctor is quoted as stating, "Some people buy expensive products to eliminate or decrease wrinkles or dark circles from their skin. But the best product for a clear, beautiful complexion is water. Water hydrates the skin and pulls wastes and toxins out. Shriveled skin and sunken eyes are actually signs of dehydration."

Interviews with various dieticians led to the conclusion that "Water is also a definite must for weight control." As one stated, "The human body requires more water to metabolize properly and to maintain a healthy weight."

One formula suggested to insure sufficient water intake was, "Divide your weight in pounds by two; that�s the minimum number of ounces (of water) your body needs." It is suggested that if you exercise, you need more. "Take your weight and multiply by two-thirds to get the number of ounces." It is further pointed out that "Thirst is not an adequate gauge" of our need for water, and we should drink a sufficient amount of water even if we are not thirsty. We often need fluids long before we feel thirsty, and may become dehydrated.

We are cautioned that we must replace the water lost through urine and sweat, and we should not wait until we feel thirsty. There is also a warning that we may put ourselves in danger of heat stroke, and prolonged and repeated negligence may lead to such serious ailments as constipation and kidney stones. There is also a warning not to limit drinking a sufficient amount of water to the summer months, because, at any time during the year, chronic dehydration can contribute to a number of health problems, including kidney stones. Warning is also given that drinking water is not a summer pastime, but is just as important when the temperatures drop.

One last warning: Because of their smaller body size, children may dehydrate faster than adults. One doctor says, really watch your child�s fluids, especially if he is playing sports. Make sure he is drinking enough during the activity and after.