Today, I do not offer anything profound, rather an admission that have been making a big mistake for some time now.

It deals with HYDRATION or more specifically, the lack thereof.

I do drink a lot of water, or at least I thought so. Having said that, I will relate to you a tale that rally surprised me and has spurred me to a change in tracking.

I needed a routine blood test on Thursday which is no big deal – normally. The first attempt to draw the blood finally filled the first tube after much coaching and assistance from the phlebotomist. Then the vein collapsed and we still had two specimen tubes to go.

Moved to the other arm and experienced the same effect, only this time only a partial fill. What to do? She moved down to my hand and found a good vein (we hoped) and those standard words. “Just a little poke.”

Long story short, she finally succeeded in getting all the blood necessary and then told me in no uncertain terms. “YOU ARE SERIOUSLY DEHYDRATED.” The blood was too thick to be drawn up the capillary tube. I was quite taken aback as I have always “calculated” that I normally drank more than 8 cups a day. WRONG!!!

So like a good boy, I heard the lesson that was taught and I am determined to learn the lesson. I have pledged to myself (and now all of you) the following.

First, I will no longer include the water from coffee and other sourced and accurately record all water drunk.

Second, I will make ever attempt to stay away from water that has been through the reverse osmosis process as it is totally void of any of the natural minerals that are good for us.

And thirdly, I will make every attempt to never pass a water fountain without taking in at least 7 big gulps.

It s a fact, living in AZ does, indeed, require more hydration. Of course it is a “dry heat” even when its cold.

There. Having said my MEA CULPA, I feel better.