In today’s busy world, we often focus on trends in nutrition like superfoods or the latest supplement, but we seldom pause to consider the simplicity and importance of water. Water, the most vital yet neglected nutrient, is the centerpiece of a breakthrough initiative – Water Talks.
The Forgotten Nutrient: Why Water Matters
While we meticulously track our macronutrients, hydration remains an afterthought. According to ASU News, hydration is “the forgotten nutrient,” lacking representation even in influential nutritional guides like MyPlate. This oversight prompted the College of Health Solutions to launch Water Talks, spotlighting hydration’s role in our health narratives.
Rising Temperatures, Rising Stakes
Phoenix’s summer swelters, with temperatures peaking at 118°F in July, exemplify the peril of ignoring hydration. Assistant Dean Stavros Kavouras emphasizes that hydration education is critical, especially in such extreme climates. Alarmingly, disparities in hydration levels impact children and the elderly the most.
Upcoming Expert-Led Conversations
Water Talks will feature a range of experts, each bringing unique insights on hydration. From analyzing hydration in athletes during the Hawaiian Ironman to exploring gender differences in heat resilience, these discussions aim to redefine our understanding of this essential nutrient.
- Sep 24: Heat and Hydration Issues with Dr. Robert Sallis
- Oct 2: Rehydration During Endurance with Lawrence E. Armstrong
- Nov 5: Sex Differences in Hydration with Nisha Charkoudian
A Call to Action: Embracing Hydration
Kavouras, a renowned figure in hydration research, stresses that maintaining proper fluid intake is a feasible step towards improved health. Water Talks not only educates but also provides continuing education credits for health professionals, paving the way for broader application of hydration knowledge.
Connecting Science and Community
The Water Talks series serves a dual purpose: mobilizing the scientific community and delivering practical, research-backed hydration advice to consumers. By bridging these worlds, Water Talks inspires personal hydration strategies that can lead to better health outcomes.
Water Talks continues to unfold, with upcoming sessions open to the public, including the next “Water and Weight Control: What Is the Evidence?” seminar by Virginia Tech Professor Brenda Davy.
By championing the ‘forgotten nutrient,’ Water Talks is leading us towards a future where hydration is understood and valued in its rightful place for maintaining health and well-being.
