Hydration for hair and skin

As we start to see the impact of global climate change and the water shortages caused by it, it’s incredibly important that we all treat water as a precious resource, not something to be taken for granted. New Zealand has already suffered water shortage crises caused by storms and droughts in the past and scientists project these occurrences will only become more frequent in the future. So here are some top tips to make you smarter about how you use your water. Turn off the shower when you lather/sink when you brush It may seem small but it all adds up. Doing this can save thousands of litres of water in the long run. So give it a go for a few weeks; you may find the habit come easily enough! Fix household leaks Again, doing this can literally save thousands of litres each year. Leaky taps, showerheads, toilets, and ceilings all waste water and potentially cause a health hazard. So if you have the means to, make sure those leaks are sealed up nice and tight! Conserve Energy Electricity uses an enormous amount of water to generate so any savings that can be made there go a long way, especially the power used to produce hot water. Turning off lights, hanging clothes out to dry, and handwashing dishes all make a difference. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Do you really need that cheap $10 t-shirt? Could you not get that used car instead of the showroom fresh model? Why not buy second hand! Not only will you probably end up with something better and more stylish, if we all bought used items more often, we’d be saving hundreds of billions of litres at the production end of the stuff we buy! Not to mention - rather than buying new plastic bottles every time you need to quench your thirst, reuse your current one. Better yet, buy a stainless steel water bottle that will stand the test of time. Watering Your Lawn This is a big one. Lawns, plants, hedges all need watering yet they can be such a source of waste if you don’t consider how you go about it. The good ol’ hosepipe in the hand is the best efficient alternative to any fancy sprinkler system. Otherwise, if you decide to use a spinker, make sure it’s a low consumption one and avoid over watering your lawn (as it’s bad for the plants too). Also, if you have the means to, using collected rainwater is a much greener alternative than using water from the mains. So there you have it! Five easy ways to reduce your water footprint. And though they may seem small, if we all do our bit and take part, we can make an impact on the condition of our planet.

While drinking 2.5-3L of water per day is important for your health, it’s not just in your bottle of water where you can find your daily dose of H20. Water can be found in many foods that we eat, which in turn helps us on our journey to increased hydration! Adding or increasing these in your diet will help make a difference to your water intake and help decrease the chances of side-effects from dehydration (link to dehydration article). Here are some of the world’s most water-packed foods: Watermelon Strawberries Peaches Oranges Cucumber Broths and soups Celery Tomatoes Capsicum Spinach Lettuce If you’re getting a bit tired of the same old plain water, day in and day out, there are some healthy water “alternatives” that you could rotate between. The alternatives could be: Coconut water Flavoured water (try to pick one with which has zero preservatives, sweeteners or calories) Aloe water Watermelon water

There’s no getting around the fact that we all need water for our survival. It’s a fact of life. But much like the air we breathe or the food we eat, making sure you consume high quality water can improve your lifestyle, health, and your mental health to no end! But how do you know your water is the best it can be? Well, pH levels aren’t a bad place to start! pH levels tell you how acidic or basic (alkaline) your water is. Pure, unpolluted water will have a pH level of 7 which is neutral. More than 7 will show alkaline water, which is safe to drink so long as the alkaline is naturally occurring. However, less than 7 will show acidic water and that means a higher likelihood of contaminants. In fact, certain levels of acidic water have the potential to corrode metal pipes! So how do you measure the pH levels of your water? Well there are a number of methods anyone can use at home or in the workplace! pH Meter Find a clean glass or container and pour some water into it Let the water sit so the temperature can stabilise Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water Match the temperature on the pH meter with the water to ensure maximum accuracy Put the pH meter into the water and leave it in until the numbers stabilise. You now have your reading! Litmus Papers/ph Papers Learn the difference between the two. Litmus papers will only tell you if it’s acidic, neutral or basic. pH papers will give a more accurate reading. Collect a sample of water in a clean container that is deep enough to cover the test strip Dip the strip into the water. It should change colour. Compare the colour to the reference sheet given with your papers. It should give you a reading. _____ If you are concerned your water source may not be safe to drink from, contact your local water provider. If you have consumed or come into contact with water you believe to be contaminated, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.