If you’ve been outside in the last two weeks, you’ll agree that it’s been hot in St. Louis. And, high temperatures require added steps to keep your body healthy. Water is a critical component to health and keeping cool, and it’s beneficial in just about all of its forms; from drinking it for hydration, using it as ice to reduce swelling, or looking at it to relax the mind.

Here are 5 ways that water can be used to benefit your health:

1. Drink water

We need water to function properly. Our bodies are made up of about 70% water, so it stands to reason that replenishing ourselves with it can only make us feel better. Here are just a few of the ways that drinking water can improve our health.

Proper hydration is important for:

• energy and relief from exhaustion

• weight loss

• flushing out toxins

• Improving skin complexion

• aiding digestion and preventing constipation

• boosting immune system

• preventing headaches caused by dehydration

• cognition, memory, preventing mental fatigue

2. Water aerobics

As kids, most of us played in pools, sprinklers, and lakes. As we age, now more than ever, it’s important for us to seek out the healing benefits of water.

Just some of the healing benefits of water aerobics are:

1. Weight loss - a 30-minute workout can burn around 300 calories

2. Keeps the heart healthy - a good way to develop cardiovascular endurance

3. Eases joint pain - it’s practically no impact. Injured muscles and sore joints that would be otherwise impacted get a healthy workout with no side effects

4. Stress reduction - because of the cardio workout involved in water aerobics, stress is reduced

3. Water views

Spending time near water is very beneficial for our health.

Aquatic scenes are good for reducing stress, and studies have shown that just being around water makes us happier. You don’t have to live near the ocean to reap the benefits. Meditating while looking out at a lake, a fountain, or a pool can reduce stress just as well.

4. Water sound therapy

Something about the sound of water is calming. Whether it is a gentle rainstorm or the sounds of waves, research shows that the sound of water can de-stress our bodies and move us into a relaxed state.

5. Soaking in warm water

Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can use warm water to treat pain. A recent study indicates that a bubble bath or scented salt bath can treat pain and rheumatic disorders.

Even a soak for tired feet before bedtime can be beneficial for sleep.

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