MBOMBELA – As most areas in South Africa brace themselves for the heat spikes the country historically experiences during January and February, its citizens would do well to remember to stay well hydrated.
This is the message from South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, as weathermen predict temperatures well above 30°C.
“We know that water — in all its forms — is a vital component of the human diet. And, particularly when temperatures peak above summer averages, South Africans should make certain they are never far away from a tap, a fridge containing a jug of water, a water cooler or a bottle of water.”
Metcalf said this is especially true of those who exercise outdoors or whose job involves many hours in the open. Schoolchildren, too, must be to drink more often during the day and at night to replenish the fluid they lose playing on the fields during breaks and during sports matches.
Sensible folk will ensure they keep sun screens and hats at hand to protect them and their families from the summer sun, and plenty of water to slake their thirst and fend off dehydration, she said.
“Like the planet we inhabit, our bodies comprise mostly water – the brain is 85% water, our blood is 90% water, and the liver, one of our most vital organs, is 96% water. Water — in all its forms — is therefore a vital component of our diet, as well as the healthiest beverage option for societies plagued by diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
“And bottled water is the best packaged beverage option for the environment; it has the lightest environmental footprint of all packaged beverages. (https://www.bieroundtable.com/bier-presents-carbon-footprint.html) — one that can be reduced by 25% if consumers were to simply recycle the bottle.”
“Remember, bottled water does not compete against tap water for share of mouth in South Africa but is offered as a healthy beverage alternative. It competes against other beverages such as cold drinks and flavoured milks on the shelves of supermarkets, forecourt convenience stores and cafés,” said Metcalf.
