" Drink Smarter, Think Water"

Waterworks Week ran from 14 - 20 March 2010. Waterworks Week aims to encourage people to make water their drink of choice. The program is part of the Continence Advisory Service's strategy to promote bladder and bowel health by encouraging people to develop healthy lifestyle such as adequate fluid intake.

To coincide with Waterworks Week 2010, fact sheets on the 'Ways to prevent Urinary Tract Infections' and 'A guide to fluid intake' were produced. These fact sheets were distributed alongside other promotional materials to the 100 organisations that registered for Waterworks Week.

The Water and Wellbeing kit is now available with evidence based information to assist Home and Community Care providers and Residential Aged Care facilities to promote the benefits of adequate fluid intake for frail older people. To order the fact sheets or obtain a copy of the Water and Wellbeing kit  email our Health Promotion Officer.

Waterworks week is an ideal time to make water your drink of choice because 'Bodies Work Better With Water!'  Other reasons to drink water each day are:

• To prevent kidney stones, urinary tract infections and incontinence

• To reduce the risk of falling from dehydration or low blood pressure

• To help overcome constipation problems

• To prevent cancers of the breast, colorectal or urinary tract as well as reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke

• To assist in maintaining a healthy  body weight since water contains no kilojoules

• To prevent or relive headaches

• To increase concentration and alertness

• To keep skin healthy and hydrated

• To reduce tooth decay and prevent gum disease

Whilst there are no standardised guidelines on fluid intake, older people generally need to drink a minimum of 1500mls (6 glasses) of fluid per day. Medical advice to restrict fluid intake should always be followed. Younger people in temperate conditions generally require around 2 litres (8 glasses) of fluid per day. Fluid requirements are affected by body size, level of activity and environmental conditions. Excessive consumption of water does not increase the health benefits and may be harmful.