Let’s Talk About Water

Story by Marlys Cervantes | Contributing Writer

If only all the woes of life could be cured just by stepping outside and into nature. The truth is many issues can be if we will allow nature to affect us in the ways that it can. Hippocrates, a Greek physician known as the father of modern medicine, stated that “Nature itself is the best physician.”

Mother Nature has many healing properties, both physical and mental, and we’ll look at this just a bit through the basic elements of nature over the next few months. This month, while we are still dealing with rather hot weather, let’s look at the element of water. I know I’ve enjoyed my time in the water, and I’ve had to use water to cool down just while watering plants or working outside in the hottest of times.

The United States Geological Survey estimates

that nearly 70% of the surface of the earth is covered with water. All living things on earth need water in order to survive. Web MD Medical Library states that the human body is between 60-70% water. Obviously, water is key to maintaining and restoring the health of people.

In the article “Water’s Wonders” in Psychology Today, Hollis Kline and Laura Schiff further explain the positive effects. They discuss how steam baths ease the mind by sweating out toxins which target the brain and alter mood, thinking and behavior. In addition, neuro-toxicity can increase the likelihood of cancer. An individual can sweat out 30% of the toxins in their body through the skin via sweat glands.

Water has been used for centuries to physiologically and psychologically benefit people because of its therapeutic nature, combating illness and injury. Hydrotherapy (water treatment) can combat many diseases or ailments, but it can also be a quick, easy and affordable way to relieve a little stress.

Herbalist and health writer Dian D. Buchman gives further evidence in favor of hydrotherapy in one of her books, The Complete Book of Water Healing. Buchman explains that it affects the mind by calming the body, which will reduce the action of the brain. Sitting in warm or hot water can relax the central nervous system allowing the mind to relax for a while. This reduces the pain signals sent to the brain via the nervous system, which temporarily relieves a person from chronic pain, also often helping anxiety and depression. Sitting in cool water or taking a brief cold water splash is good because it acts as a tonic for the mind by stimulating muscles and increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

The types of ailments that water treatments and access are said to at least help are too many to list, but here are some: acne, arthritis, asthma, back problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, constipation, coughs, cramps, diabetes, digestive problems, flu, food poisoning, headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, infection, insomnia, nervousness, pneumonia, poison oak, shingles, sinuses and sore throats.

Flowing water has a calming effect on most people, so water helps the body, mind and spirit. You need to drink it, be close to it, be in it. Many of us hope to get to a spa to refresh. Even though we may go for a variety of services, the acronym ‘SPA’ is an abbreviation for the term “solus par aqua,” which means health or healing through water.

Water is a necessity to life, yes, but it’s also an element that is quite enjoyable in so many ways. Ponca City has many opportunities to do just that. One of the beautiful places to be close to the water is Lake Ponca, with numerous areas to fish, picnic, a swimming beach, boating and even kayak rentals. A great map and information can be found on the Poncacityok.gov website.

There’s a nice pond by the Marland Mansion and a small one at Standing Bear Museum & Education Center for time to relax and reflect, spend time letting go of the stresses of life and just enjoying the sounds of nature. I love to bring my journal when I go to these spots to rejuvenate. A breeze off the water is the best elixir for creativity as stress leaves my body and mind.

Let’s get outside in nature, by the water, in the water … drinking plenty of water to revive. Hippocrates also said, “Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” Most of us just become so busy we do not let ourselves relax and heal, revive and purify our spirit, come back into ourselves. Let’s.

I was the queen of cram. Furthermore, if it wasn’t work or something that I deemed as productive or progressive, then it wasn’t going to be a part of my day. Although I experienced many opportunities and moved forward in many areas of life, I would always fall to moments or even entire days

A lot of what I write about each month has much to do where I felt mentally and emotionally with fitness and workouts. Accurate information about drained. A lot of times, this results aspects such as cardio or strength training are always useful and helpful. But overall health is so much more than this. What about the other hours in your day that aren’t exercise-focused? The habits and choices you in deficits in aspects such as human connection, well-rounded character development or self-reflection. Do you take conscious time each day to just sit and reflect, dream or literally make throughout the entirety of each 24-hour period just clear your mind with silence? are extremely important. Here are four tips to make your life so much easier and more enjoyable! I am convinced that this is vital for our most optimal health. We are not made to always be going and striving. This does a number on our mental health and eventually causes some physical adaptations from the toll that stress and strife have taken. If you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day, then try things like waking up earlier or turning a television show off sooner. Leave some open time to enjoy the freedom of relaxation or make room for the excitement of spontaneity.

Okay, so we talked about leaving space in your schedule. But just as important as an open schedule is balancing it with structure. We, as humans, respond to structure. It creates a sense of safety, security and expectancy. This can relieve stress and anxiety. Even from childhood, structure such as nap and snack time or having a bedtime routine did wonders for our development of selfcontrol and comfortability. Personally, my days felt more rushed and frantic before I began preplanning. I take each Sunday to write out my entire week ahead and allocate blocks of time for work, myself, friends, God and open free time. Give that a try, then set boundaries and stand firm in the plan. It will make you feel so much better! I even preplan what I will eat in the upcoming day. This reduces the risks of impulse, wasted time and forgetfulness when unexpected situations come into play.

Anything and everything may arise in any given day. Subconsciously or

8 1 9 7 4 2 3 6 5 consciously, we all have things that are most important to us. Recognizing 2 4 3 8 5 6 7 9 1 where our priorities lie can increase enjoyment and productivity. If I have a 9-to-5 job and an ultimate dream of starting my own beauty supply 4 2 7 5 9 1 6 8 3 line, then giving every weekend to spontaneous nights on the town with my girls may not be the most 5 9 8 3 6 7 4 1 2 beneficial choice. Neither a 9-to-5 job nor time with friends is a bad thing in and of itself. But if I know my ultimate priority, then I can preplan and 1 3 6 4 2 8 5 7 9 prepare boundaries ahead of time. Then, after I gain some success and achievement, I can give a little more 9 7 4 2 8 5 1 3 6 time and focus to impromptu GNOs. Some priorities can change with the seasons, and that’s okay. Get your foundations set and know what you 6 5 1 9 7 3 2 4 8 want and need.

Pay attention to what you take in. Think about the things you are watching, listening to or eating. These factors play a major role in our mentalities, belief systems, physical health and our choices. Guard your heart, eyes and ears like your life depends on it. Put extra focus on things that positively develop and enhance you! Read books, listen to podcasts, be around uplifting friends. Mainly eat foods that are nutritious and fuel you for all the output your amazing body does for you every second of each day. Set boundaries that protect your emotional and mental health. Take care of you so that you have more positivity and light to give to others!

If you are already doing these things, then that is awesome! My hope is that, if anything, these tips served as a good reminder for you. If you face struggles incorporating any of these tips, then I cannot express how important it may be to get professional guidance. I want the absolute best for each of you, and I believe that it is possible to attain it. As always, I am available to help you on your journey toward optimal health. I absolutely love receiving your thoughts and comments on these articles! Have an amazing August!

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R I O T S M A C S S K U L L D A R K O N E L I L L I Q U I D P A P E R A T E E R R E D O P E R A P E R N E S T S T E N D S

Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer

Paloma is a drink lost in time, from the cocktail’s appeal to its very beginnings. Often referred to as the “cousin of the margarita.” In my opinion, a very distant cousin. A cousin you only see every ten years at a family reunion. Regardless of its confusing background, it is a cocktail that deserves recognition for its unique flavor!

Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner of La Capilla, the oldest bar in Tequila, Jalisco, is most often credited with the invention of the Paloma. He first became known for his cocktail, Batangas (a drink made of tequila, lemon juice, and cola). Don Javier himself denied creating the cocktail, removing a piece of the puzzle surrounding the beverage’s origins.

If you’ve ever dug into Paloma’s history, you’ve probably run across the name Evan Harrison. According to many articles, he created a brochure named “Popular Cocktails of the Rio Grande” that popularized the drink in the United States. Recently the booklet has been refuted as a myth, and there is no proof of its existence.

The only thing we can be sure of is that Squirt, a grapefruit soda, was created in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1938. By the 1950s Squirt had been imported to Mexico, noted in several books containing recipes for the Paloma cocktail, but none prove its origins. During that time, they were mixing everything with tequila down in Mexico, and they’re not wrong! In Mexico, the law protects the production of tequila. It is a distilled spirit made from the Weber blue agave plant, and they strictly control the regions where tequila is made. The state of Jalisco produces the most tequila with the mark of approval, as well as other smaller areas surrounding several cities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

The Paloma may be a drink of mystery, but it’s the perfect combination of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime. This drink is a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day, or any day, for that matter. World Paloma Day was founded in 2019 by Cenote Tequila and is celebrated on May 22nd. As usual, I’m late to the party! Nevertheless, grab your favorite tequila and a grapefruit soda. Fresca, Jarritos, and (of course) the classic Squirt all pair deliciously in this under-the-radar citrus-packed beverage. Cheers, and enjoy! Paloma Recipe: 2 oz Tequila ½ oz Lime Juice Grapefruit soda In a highball or Collins glass, add 2 oz of your favorite tequila, ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice, pack with ice, and top with grapefruit soda.