Are You Really Taking Good Care of your Body?

(Part 1—Water)
Yes, you reap what you sow. If you consistently push your body to its limits,
you may find someday that you are worn out, literally. Vehicles wear out
from overuse and abuse, but parts are easier to replace on vehicles
than they are on our bodies.

As a vehicle’s radiator needs water, our bodies need water. Our bodies
can’t hold the water like a radiator and must be replenished daily. Did you
know that our bodies contain about 75% water?

Do you remember the Star Trek episode where an alien referred to the humans as “Ugly bags of
water”? Not to get off the subject, but just as a matter of clarity, I am not saying humans are ugly,
and I certainly am not saying you are ugly. That’s only a reference of how the fictitious alien
viewed humans. We are basically "bags of water".

Everything in your body requires water. What? You say the lungs require water? Yes. Isn’t that
what is called “water in the lungs”? No, that is called “Pulmonary Edema”. That is
where pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels force fluid into the air sacs, thus blocking them from
absorbing oxygen. Still, your lungs need some water to keep the mucus lining moist.

Did you know that the brain needs water? Yes, it does. In fact, it is also composed of about 75%
water. Amazing, isn’t it?

Compare that to the Earth which contains about 75% water. So, water is an important factor for
our planet as well as our bodies. Keep in mind that the Earth’s water is primarily salt water, none-
theless, still it is mostly water.

Some say that is a key to our creation -- 75% water on the planet and 75% water in us.

Tea can substitute water to a point. However, be careful with the sugar and other additives. On
the other hand, tea has certain advantages over water. It is as hydrating as water and also con-
tains flavonoids and antioxidants which offer great nutritional benefits. Also, certain kinds of teas
have more benefits than other kinds.

Many people wait until they feel a thirst before they get water. Actually, thirst is usually as sign
that it is too late, because it may mean that you are already dehydrated.

In recapping, everything in your system revolves around water. This includes digestion and the
transport of nutrients, the uptake of oxygen in the lungs, the cleansing of internal organs, the de-
toxification system, sweating to reduce your internal temperature, the transport of instructions
through the nervous system, and even basic activity on a cellular level.

So, folks, if you are not doing so now, learn to “drink up …. with water.”

Lower Back
Yes, now I am reminded about the terrible sharp pains in my back. I remember one day when I
thought I could make it to the mailbox down the long driveway and back. No, I had to wait for my
neighbor to come around the block and get me in his car just to take me home…. Yes, just from
the mailbox.

I also have a huge hiatal hernia. Perhaps that is caused from straining my back by lifting too
much over a period of time. Well, that was my job to lift the heavy newspapers onto the truck. Too
bad ‘cause it’s too late now.
Are You Really Taking Good Care of your
Body? (Part 2—Joints)

Can you predict when it will rain because of aching joints? While
the body needs exercise, it is very important to get the right kind.

For example, my doctor told me not to use the treadmill but to

use an air walker or elliptical instead. Why? Impact on the knees
can do some mild to severe damage to them.

Protecting them is extremely important. After all, your knees are

partly responsible for holding you up and getting you around.

You feet are also responsible for holding you up and getting you
around. They are as important as the knees.

Once I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Oh, the pain… I lived in an apartment that had con-
crete floors. Also, I walked nearly two miles to and back from the bus stop (on mostly concrete
sidewalk.).

I did this several times per week. I was super concerned when my doctor told me I was the first
case of plantar fasciitis he had seen that he could not cure. He referred me to a specialist.

Even that doctor had difficulty curing me. He explained that surgery was the only step left, and
that would not even guarantee cure.

Several years later I returned to that same specialist for other foot problems. He seemed so sur-
prised that I did not respond to the plantar fasciitis check. I told him I moved from the apartment
with the concrete floor and the bus came close to my home. The jolt from walking on hard surfac-
es was not good for me.

One of the biggest single causes of aches and pains in older people is overworked joints - with
many of them having to undergo surgery for hip replacements, shoulder socket repairs, etc.

Consistent repetition of joint movement can raise havoc on your joints. The Bible says to do all
things in moderation. "What, quit my job?" I am not saying that, but be careful.

Try to find a way to put less strain on your joints, especially repetitious strain. Even though the
saying goes that hard work never killed anyone, keep in mind that it can bring a lot of pain later in
life.
Are You Really Taking Good Care of
your Body?
(Part 3—Lower Back)
Yes, now I am reminded about the terrible sharp pains in
my back. I remember one day when I thought I could
make it to the mailbox down the long driveway and
back. No, I had to wait for my neighbor to come around
the block and get me in his car just to take me home….
Yes, just from the mailbox.

I also have a huge hiatal hernia. Perhaps that is caused

from straining my back by lifting too much over a period of
time. Well, that was my job to lift the heavy newspapers
onto the truck. Too bad ‘cause it’s too late now.

Oh, yes, I felt strong as I was building my arm muscles,

but it was not worth it. I should have stood my ground and
refused to do it. If would have done that if I had known it
would cause such problems later in life.

Today, I know that good posture is extremely important for

your back. This cannot be overemphasized.

It is also essential to learn proper back exercise techniques to strengthen your muscles.

Overall, the best thing for you and me to increase our longevity is to learn what can be harmful to
us and to start today to prevent further damage to our only bodies. In the meantime, preventative
tips are essential to produce a long-lasting, healthy body.

More articles in TLC 2 will focus upon tips for longevity and overall wellbeing.