Water – Scarce, but Essential for Life and Health

Posted by Bud Jackson 
on Jun 15, 2015
 
Richard J. Glassock, MD, is a graduate of UCLA School of Medicine, and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School and Scripps Research Institute. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of Glomerular Diseases and Clinical Nephrology and has lectured in over 95 countries throughout the world. Dr. Glassock has received numerous awards, including the David Hume Memorial Award of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), The Robert Narins Award of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the Distinguished Achievement Awards from UCLA School of Medicine, the Association of Professors of Medicine, and the Torchbearer Award of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). He is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the ASN NephSAP Journal, and currently serves as Professor Emeritus at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
 
Paramount Rotary was privileged to have Dr. Glassock speak to our club for the fourth time.  A fellow Rotarian and golfing buddy of John Rodgerson (they play twice a week).  Dick pointed out that during their match the Rotary 4-Way Test is temporarily dismissed on the first tee and revived again after the 18th hole is completed.
 
His topic was water.  Water has been on the planet since its inception about 4.4 billion years ago when an icy planet collided with earth.  We still have that same ancient water with us today, recycled over and over.  Water covers 70% of our planet’s surface and is retained by gravity.
 
The human body, coincidentally or not, also contains 60 to 70% water.  That’s about 10 gallons of which 55% is within cells and the other 45% is outside of cells.  We must get rid of what we take in or we’re in trouble.  We consume 95 to 100 ounces per day, Over 80% orally with the rest coming from metabolism.  The bulk of the output, about 70%, is urine and the rest by respiration and sweat.
 
The brain and pituitary gland regulate thirst.  Too much water creates over hydration and too little cause dehydration.  Either one can cause problems.  So how much water is needed?  Of course, the amount will vary depending on climate and physical activity, but 3.5 liters/day (1.8 gallons) for men and 2.5 liters/day (1.3 gallons) for women is recommended.  Drinking large amounts of water is not proven to improve health.
 
What type of water is best?  If tap water is safe, it is just as good as bottled water.  All of the specialty brand waters are no better and some added ingredients may make it worse.
 
So remember the words of W. H. Auden ""Thousands have lived without love, not one without water."
 
Dr. Glassock pictured to the Right with John and Carol Rodgerson.
 
 
 
In other News . . . .
 
 
Rich Weeda (pictured on right) was inducted into the Paramount Rotary Club.  Pictured with Rich is  with John Boogaard (forefront) and Rich's wife Laurie.
 
All members are encouraged to attend the  the District Assembly June 20, 2015 in Carson.
 
Guests to Rotary included Carol Rodgerson, Nick Pardisani, Manny Sanchez and Oscar Rosales. 
 
Mary Pellegrino filled in for Bill as the song leader.  Thank you Mary!