“Drinking water has the magical capacity to encourage. The thoughts of the heart live on. Water gives encouragement that last and last. Man’s highest duty is to encourage others.” Chuck Swindoll

I did not know! But I will always remember that water is most essential for human life. I learned a very hard way. It happened 20 years ago. It filled my heart with confidence and hope. But to no avail because my late husband was a very sick man. He loved life, never complained and was happiest working.

One day a few months before he passed, he was having very serious complications. His lips were dry and dementia was setting in. I could not get him to eat or drink. “At least drink” I begged. No. I rubbed his lips with ice chips, which felt good to him.

As the day wore on he became worse and worse. We began to panic. Alex had leukemia, lymphoma, ruptured his spleen and much, much more. Over our 51 years he had many different episodes. However, he was a wonderful patient. His most important worry was missing work. Never complained.

We realized that we had to call 911 and get some help. (We had many ambulance rides. The attendants were always wonderful. I will forever be grateful.)

The doctor checked Alex over and gave him a drink of water. It was an incredible moment when the earth seemed to hold its breath. Within a short time he seemed normal. (Whatever was normal for him at that time?) He was dehydrated.

As we happily returned home our hearts were filled with hope but we knew his end was coming closer and closer. Every time he went down he came back weaker and weaker.

What is dehydration? Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs. Without enough your body cannot function properly. You can have mild, moderate or severe hydration depending how much fluid is missing from your body.

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately.

Our bodies are composed of two-thirds water, and the brain alone is made up 85 percent water! About two-thirds of the water is in your cells; the rest is in the blood, body fluids, and spaces between cells. Water is essential. Water helps rid the body of waste, keeps tissues moist and lubricated, and may even help burn calories.

Water that is inside fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and wild foods possess incredible qualities for replenishing your body, blood and keeping you going.

In this too fast paced, too commercial, and too technical life, we sometimes forget to drink or we don’t have time. It is a powerful idea that we can control our health largely by what we eat and drink reflecting the beauty of a balanced life style.

The rapidly developing science in health care may help you feel better, live longer and avoid medication or surgery.

Dehydration shackles you to a wall of misery. It is recommended that we drink eight glasses of water a day.