Question: Why do you always advocate water?

        Answer: Your muscles are over 70 percent water.Regulation of body temperature and mood is directly related to waterconsumption. Water keeps kidneys performing at a high level. Water also helps transport nutrients throughout the body and helps the body use them. As an added benefit, water keeps the hair, skin and nails healthy and strong.

        Try to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. It seems like a lot, but it is not uncommon for some people to consume a gallon per day. Consistently drink water and you will be surprised at how it will make you feel.

        Q: I just turned 60, and I'm in good health except for an arthritic hip. I ride my stationary bike for 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon. Is there anything else I can do without doing more harm to my hip?

        A: I have a client who has an arthritic hip, and he goes to a local indoor pool and does a series of pool workouts. This allows him to get a great cardio workout and reduce the amount of workload on his hip.

        Call facilities with pools and find out what programs they have with regard to pool workouts. If nothing else, go during off-peak hours and walk around the shallow end for 20 to 30 minutes. This will help to add variety to your activities as well as prevent further injuries.

        E-mail davpatania@aol.com.

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