We’ve been talking all month about our heart and ways we can help reduce heart disease but there’s another important element we don’t always think about, drinking water for good health.

Did you know that more than two-thirds of our bodies are made of water? It helps lubricate our joints, and without water, our organs could not properly function. Water is also essential in helping us remove waste from our bodies.

If we don’t consume enough water, we run the risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, mood changes, fever, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and kidney problems among other issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests adults consume between 91 and 125 fluid ounces of water each day on average. Individuals who choose water when they are thirsty and at meal time usually have no problem drinking enough daily. Water may also be consumed through healthy food choices like fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that our daily intake amount can fluctuate depending upon our weight, age, sex, activity level and certain medical conditions. You also need to consume more water is you are physically active, running a fever or losing fluids through vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Here are some suggestions on how to increase your water intake:

— Keep a bottle of water with you.

— Eat more foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables.

— Add fruits to water for flavor.

— Give children water when they are thirsty.

— Choose water over sugar-sweetened beverages when eating out, you’ll consume fewer calories too.

Don’t forget to join the Clark County Wellness Challenge. Sign up today or Feb. 22. Visit the Clark County Activity Coalition website www.ccactivitycoalition.com/wellness-challenge for more information.

Jennifer Howard is the Clark County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.