Flood Water

There are other questions that need to be asked. You might not remember this but PBS broadcast Poisoned Waters a special about our region south and pollution runoff. It's about our water supply and how we handle waste (industrial or otherwise). How that can affect our health. As we become more concerned about the weather, as hurricane Earl approaches and tropical storm Fiona passes, water is in our future. When Katrina hit the Louisiana leaving "water water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink." Like every major flood disaster the problems that result for the survivors and their ability to recover has much to do with finding fresh water supplies.

We're not trying to frighten you. We're trying to provide context, insight and we're also recently suffered some personal flood damage. Floods that affect our lives generally aren't of the 2012 or Noah's Ark variety. Nor are we likely to suffer a Katrina, Pakistan or Haitian flood variety. Mostly we're likely to suffer the kind of damage we've suffered. This type of loss results in damage to papers and personal effects. We can attest that even a personal loss can be devastating. The suggestions of the federal government would offer no help to survivors of a major catastrophe. But for our particular set of circumstances very appropriate.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SUGGESTIONS
1. Safeguard your possessions. (waterproof container)
2. Prepare your house.
3. Develop a family emergency plan. (protect your pets.) (FEMA)

We need more. You might also. We couldn't place all of our possessions in a waterproof container. A fire and the sprinkler system caused soot and water damage to our items. You can't prepare for every possible situation and maybe you shouldn't try. You should prepare for you life and family. Prepare for good health.

"General Assembly declares access to clean water and sanitation is a human right" - July 28, 2010 - UN

Just in time for World Water Week, Sept 5-10,2010 (not to be confused with World Water Day) so we're not that late unless of course you consider their 2003 announcement when:

"...the United Nations has declared that 2003 will be the International Year of Freshwater. We cannot live without water. That is why we have to make sure that everyone can get clean drinking water no matter where they live ....Although fresh water can be found all around the world most of it is either frozen in the polar ice caps, mixed in the soil or deep underground. In fact, less than 1 percent of the world's fresh water is available to be used. That is why we need to take care of it! " - Nane Annan

The nation was worried about the danger to the food supply (seafood) by the BP oil spill, tourism, as well as the damage to the eco-system. We were also concerned about the damage to health and welfare of the gulf residents as well as the nation's seafood. We discovered that while the government (USGS) has been tackling the issue of providing fresh water through desalination of salt water to the nation. No one had prepared for further chemical damage to the already fragile and dwindling nature resource.

"Women, gender equality and water resources in the context of climate change - Climate change has significant impacts on fresh water sources, affecting the availability of water used for domestic and productive tasks. The consequences of the increased frequency in floods and droughts are far reaching, particularly for vulnerable groups, including women who are responsible for water management at the household level." - UN WomenWatch  (Oct 9,2009)

That the could be a gender gap in survival seems only likely because PearlieMae was wheelchair bound and dependent upon the assistance of her family. While many of the canaries from Katrina to Pakistan were PearlieMaes and to feel for these individuals means to make sure, if we can (YES WE CAN), it never happens again. Never again.

"Changes in water availability and extreme events could undermine development, affect human security and livelihoods, significantly impact agriculture and industry, and act as a push factor in population movements and migration. Water scarcity can also trigger conflict. Adaptation to climate change needs to build on conventional hard and soft interventions and may also require a major shift in planning and designing water investments." - UN Chief Executive Board (Nov 22 2007) (PDF)

The problems aren't new and the solutions aren't easy. Most are out of our reach and beyond our control. Our discomfort should be the prelude to our education on the effects and our responses. If not for us then for all of those who will follow in memory of those whom have passed on.

Water With Chocolate

For Wendy! -- We need a study to determine how healthy it would be to eat chocolate covered blueberries, dark colored vegetables with water. The studies are already there someone just needs to put it all together. We know that it's probably more a concept than a possibility but it intrigues us. If not water if you don't like the taste then maybe chocolate soy milk. We know that its not all chocolate nor all dark colored vegetables but a multi-hue of deep rich colors has proven itself most to beneficial to robust health.

"Food stores sell mainly milk chocolate, with sugar, milk, and extra cocoa butter added because they taste good, but the more non cocoa items are added to cocoa, the more dilute the healthy chemicals become." (American Chemical Society)

Research that includes less a population that's smaller than your graduating elementary school class doesn't seem all that conclusive. However when it reaffirms previous research of larger groups it can help to direct behavior that could result in your being able to use the information to easily improve your health with a minimal amount of effort. While the numbers may not be impressive the information confirms what your parents told you and every old wives tale says. Common wisdom isn't always wrong. Research seems to also confirm what is often passed from generation to generation.

"The study included 48 adults aged 55-75 years, divided into two groups. One group drank 2 cups of water prior to their meals and the other did not. All of the subjects ate a low-calorie diet during the study. Over the course of 12 weeks, water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds, while the non-water drinkers lost about 11 pounds." (American Chemical Society)

The study also warns what should be obvious and what wives have told from every generation to every generation - everything in moderation. Chocolate maybe healthy for you, in moderation. Deep colored fruits and vegetables maybe be beneficial for you health, in moderation. Water can aid in losing weight, what every find restaurant and waiter knows, in moderation. Too much of anything from air, to soap, to water, in moderation.

Brenda Davy, Ph.D., senior author on the study:

"...said water may be so effective simply because it fills up the stomach with a substance that has zero calories. People feel fuller as a result, and eat less calorie-containing food during the meal. Increased water consumption may also help people lose weight if they drink it in place of sweetened calorie-containing beverages, said Davy, who is with Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. " (American Chemical Society)

How do we know its true? Because science tells us so. Its' good to know that PearlieMae and your dear old momma were right about some things. They might not have liked technology but when the scence says they're right. They've got to love that! PearlieMae did love technology just not for what it could do but for how easy it was to do what see already enjoyed doing. She could play SCRABBLE on the PC bought for her and listen to her gospel favorites. But No email, no web browsing. It was something at least.