Water! Water! Water!

When I taught a nutrition and health course at the University of Colorado over a 12-year period, the topic of water (the essential nutrient) came up quite often. Our drinking water, while currently plentiful, is not pristine these days. The most recent issue of the National Geographic magazine is dedicated to the topic of water (with the state of our world’s water supply a looming stressor).
The following are some highlighted (sobering) facts from the issue:
• 2.5% of the Earth’s water is fresh. About 2/3’s of that is frozen. The rest (@1%) is liquid surface water (lakes, rivers, streams) and ground water (aquifers).
• 2/3’s of the Earth’s fresh water is used to grow food.
• American’ use about 100 gallon’s of water at home each day. People from developing nation’s, if lucky, use between 3-5 gallons/day.
• 46% of the world’s population do NOT have water piped into their homes.
• Women in developing countries walk an average of 3.7 miles/day to get drinkable water.
• Global warming is contributing to glacial melting/recession which will become problematic as communities that depend on glacial runoff eventually become denied of their water sources.
• Currently one out of 8 people world-wide lacks access to clean water.
• 3.3 million people die from water-related health problems per year.
• Public utility water filtration systems typically don’t remove increasing amounts of pharmaceuticals flushed down people’s toilets.
• It takes 1,857 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. It takes 2,900 gallons of water to produce one pair of blue jeans.
• Experts predict that within the next twenty years, half of the world’s population could face water shortages. UN experts suggest that future wars will be fought over water supplies/rights.

• Stress Tip of the Day:
Pay close attention to the amount of water you use per day (e.g.,drinking water, showers, toilet flushing, lawn sprinklers, etc.). Consider getting a high quality water filter in your kitchen and never throw unused medications down the toilet (bring them back to the pharmacy!)

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
I think it’s in everyone’s best interest to read the entire issue of National Geographic this month. Take time to become educated on the topic of our planet’s water supply.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/table-of-contents

• Photo of the Day:
When I traveled to Chile for a photo expedition a couple of years ago, I was mesmerized, not only by the Torres del Pines massif range, but the stunning glacial lakes in the area. Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“Water has become a highly precious resource. There are some places where a barrel of water costs more than a barrel of oil.”
— Lloyd Axworthy, Foreign Minister of Canada,1999 – News Conference.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

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