It's that time of year where hydration is extremely important, even more so than usual if you are exercising outdoors. About three-fourths of our brain is water. Likewise, blood is about 80 percent water and lung tissue is about 90 percent water.

Water is necessary for digestion and absorption of food; helps maintain proper muscle tone, supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells; rids the body of waste; and serves as a natural temperature maintenance system.

When the thirst mechanism is weak it is often mistaken for hunger. That is why water is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of water is also the number one trigger of daytime fatigue.

Water also plays an important role in the prevention of disease. Drinking adequate amounts of water can reduce the risk of colon and bladder cancer significantly.

Drink about 64 ounces of water per day. If you are exercising a lot, increase your water intake accordingly. Water is a simple lifestyle change that anybody can do.

So enjoy a tall, cool glass of water today.