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HEALTH
BEYOND THE TAP
Photo by Corrs Neal Stay thirsty. With so many options available, there's a type of water for everyone.
Some hate it, some can't get enough of it, but we all need it to survive: water. The good news for you water-haters out there is that water has moved beyond the basic tap to a place that is both hip and tasty. Supermarkets and vending machines offer trendy water alternatives to anyone willing to fork over a couple dollar bills. But what do the experts have to say about the newest forms of H2O?
THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION
Many students experienced the importance of hydration this summer with extended heat advisories and soaring temperatures in Lawrence. After all, up to 60 percent of the human body consists of water. Proper hydration helps relieve headaches, fights fatigue, promotes healthy digestion, and assists in optimal muscle function and organ function.
Keeping hydrated also helps promote healthy skin and hair. Dr. Matthew Buxton of Free State Dermatology in Lawrence says drinking water keeps liquids mobile in the body and helps assist oil pores to lubricate hair and skin.
Is anyone else feeling thirsty all of a sudden? Before you dump out your coffee and pour a glass of ice cold water, consider new research that challenges the notion that adults need eight to 12 glasses of water each day. Ann Chapman, a registered dietitian in Lawrence, says the latest study suggests that people don't have to drink all twelve glasses of actual water because a large majority of our water intake comes from food. Fruits and vegetables can consist of up to 90 percent water, and when consumed can count toward your daily water intake. Watermelons and cucumbers are particularly high in water content. Chapman says even those once forbidden caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda, help hydrate the body.
Mallory Liss, a senior from Lawrence, says she really likes water but only drink half of the 12 glass daily that use to be recommended. "I drink at least 5 glasses a day," Liss says. ___
COCONUT WATER
Coconut water distributors such as: Vita Coco, ZICO and O.N.E., say their products are packed with electrolytes, potassium and vitamin C. Chapman says because coconut water contains electrolytes, it can help the body recover after exercise or illness.
The hottest new way to hydrate comes from the slightly sour liquid found in unripe coconuts called coconut water. This fat-free, cholesterol-free beverage is advertised as being the ultimate sports drink made by nature.
Chapman also says some research suggests that coconut water can help lower risks for heart attacks and lower blood pressure, but she acknowledges that the scientific studies are very limited because coconut water is a relatively new product.
VITAMIN WATER
With catchy flavor names like stur-D, power-C and revive, as well as a long list of added vitamins in every bottle, Vitamin Water seems like a hip and healthy form of hydration. But what does Glaceau not want you to know about their product? Aaron Boos, owner of Lawrence Nutrition Center, says products like Vitamin Water have huge, in-your-face marketing campaigns that make consumers think the products are healthy water replacements without considering the sugar or carbohydrates they contain. "All of these products have their place, but there is no replacement for water," Boos says.
Liss says she tried Vitamin Water once but was not a fan. "It seems like a total gimmick. You don't need to do much more to water than just let it be what it already is," Liss says.
What about those added vitamins? Those have to be good for you, right? Chapman says Vitamin Water distributors want you to believe that you are not getting the needed vitamins from your diet so you must get them from water, but this is not true. Chapman says, in general Americans are over nourished not under nourished, and the additional sugar and calories only add to problems with obesity and diabetes.
University to institute wireless improvements
BOBBY BURCH
bburch@kansan.com
After meeting with student body President Libby Johnson and Vice President Gabe Bliss, University IT began a project to expand wireless internet to frequently used areas of campus. The wireless expansion, which will continue throughout the fall semester, will eventually reach areas including Jayhawk Boulevard, Wescoe beach and Potter Lake.
— Classroom standards have not been set, resulting in variable capabilities.
As students settle in for the new academic year, the University of Kansas' department of Information and Technology is busy improving services and telecommunication around campus.
Patrick Henke, a senior from Olathe, expressed similar concerns about KU's wireless reliability.
Overall need for more consistent consulting-level support for faculty and students related to technologies.
However, as IT expands wireless to new areas of campus, some students have expressed concerns about the University's existing WiFi internet access.
Following Huron's recommendations, the University's Instructional Development Services (IDS) merged its operations with the IT department, taking effect last spring.
"We have problems in our room where it cuts in and out," Henke said.
"It's terrible," Erickson wrote. "From experience, it only works in certain areas and even then it's slow and cuts out."
Julie Loats, director of Enterprise Applications and Services for University IT, said that the merger of University IT and IDS will help
In an email notifying University deans, directors and department chairs of the new changes, Diane Goddard, Vice Provost for Administration and Finance, wrote that: "By fall 2011, we hope that the plan for increased academic technology support will be well on its way to filling the gap at KU."
In an effort to provide better service and more efficient technology support, University IT hired the Huron Consulting Group Inc., to review its technology services around campus in the summer of 2010. The group's report outlined that:
Ann Erickson, a senior from Tonganoxie, replied to a University Daily Kansan inquiry on student wireless experience so far this year
The University is behind the curve in terms of supporting technology-enhanced teaching in the classroom.
"One of the things we heard last spring loud and clear was that students didn't feel they had a place to go if they needed help with blackboard." Loats said. "With this merger we'd like to be able to provide more support for students."
"It brings all of those staff together so it can be a more focused and holistic approach to classroom support." Loats said.
Loats said that University IT hopes to further its service efforts by offering Blackboard technology support to students.
provide comprehensive technology support for students and faculty.
Edited by Jayson Jenks
CLASSIFIEDS 10 CRYPTOQUIPS 4 SPORTS 12
CROSSWORD 6 OPINION 7 SUDOKU 4
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2011 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
It's library card sign-up month. To check out books from ary of KU's libraries, just flash a KU ID!
Today's weather
Forecasts done by University students. For a more detailed forecast see page 2A.
HI: 74
LO: 48
Perfect!
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