HEALTH IMPACTS OF THE SOURCE AND USE OF WATER

Availability of safe water is very important in public health, irrespective of whether it is used for drinking, domestic purpose, food production or recreational drives. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015, only 5.2 billion people use safely managed drinking-water services; while at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces and other contaminants, globally. Contaminated water can transmit diseases like cholera, dysentery, typhoid, diarrhea and polio. Contaminated drinking water causes an estimated 502,000 deaths from diarrhea annually, yet diarrhea is preventable. Diarrhea is the most widely known disease in connection to contaminated food and water, amongst other hazards. 38% of health care facilities lack an improved water source, 19% do not have improved sanitation source while 35% lack water and soap for hand-washing, in both low- and middle-income countries.

Climate change, increasing water scarcity, population growth, demographic changes and urbanization are recurrent challenges of the water supply system across most countries. It is reported that by 2025, half of the world’s population will be leaving in water-stressed areas. Consequently, re-use of wastewater is becoming an important strategy in addressing the portending challenge of shortage of hygienic water.

It is often said that ‘water is life.’ About 60% to 70% of the human body mass is made of water. Therefore, it is vital that hydration of the body is considered a serious health practice to ensure the body components function optimally. Enumerated below, are some key health importance of water:

1. It increases energy levels and relieves fatigue
2. It helps to maximize physical performance
3. It reduces appetite, leading to burning of more calorie
4. It improves brain functions. On the contrary, 1.36% fluid loss after an exercise can impair mood, concentration and cause headache.
5. Water helps to relieve constipation, by aiding the processes of digestion and absorption of food
6. Water is implicated in the prevention and reduction of the risk of kidney stones
7. It prevents hangovers
8. Water helps to regulate body temperature
9. Water plays an important role in the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to various body cells
10. Water promotes weight loss. For instance, 2 liters of water daily can shoot up your energy expenditure by about 96 calories, which can contribute to weight loss.
11. It is active in detoxification processes of the body system
12. It improves skin complexion favourably
13. It boosts the immune system
14. It can naturally prevent and remedy mild headaches, especially the once that resulted from dehydration.
15. Water can also help to prevent cramps and sprains

As we mark the World Water Day today (March 22^nd, 2018), it is pertinent to put measures in place that support healthy water intake daily, in the best quality and right quantity. Don’t wait till you are thirsty before drinking safe water. As often as you can, drink good water, stay hydrated all day and enjoy the benefits of drinking safe and hygienic water.

© GODDAY O. AGHEDO (Author: Healthy Life Compass)