Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Local MP Backs 'Drink More Water' Campaign
Local MP Norman Baker has lent his support to a 'good hydration' health campaign jointly launched by South East Water and Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust as part of National Drink More Water Day (Friday 24 September).
The campaign, aimed at promoting the importance of good hydration to older people in residential and nursing homes in East Sussex, continues as part of a joint initiative that has already targeted school children, GP surgeries, pharmacies and libraries in the county.
Norman Baker said: "I support this campaign enthusiastically. There is no question that regular consumption of water throughout the day is beneficial for health and far better than coffee or fizzy drinks, let alone alcohol. We all need to drink more water. Fortunately, tap water in our area is safe, clean and wholesome - and of course a fraction of the cost of bottled water."
Diana Carsons, Health Promotion Manager for Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust explained: "We are very keen to work collaboratively toward promoting the health of our local communities. Good hydration is essential to general well-being, and we want to focus on getting this message across."
According to Water UK, dehydration has been identified as one of the risk factors for falls in the elderly. The risk increases with age and can so easily lead to life-threatening fractures.
Nick Ellins, Sustainable Industry Programme Manager for Water UK, said:
"This joint initiative between South East Water and Sussex Downs and Weald PCT is the first of its kind in the country. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved on a local level.
"The first stage of the promotion - aimed at every primary school child in East Sussex - did much to raise awareness of the importance of good hydration among younger people.
"However, older people should also take particular care. Their thirst sensations are often lower and kidney function changes mean they can't concentrate urine for excretion as effectively as younger individuals. At Water UK we are pleased to see the 'drink more water' message being extended to this group."
The two organisations co-operated earlier this year, when South East Water sponsored a health promotion postcard and poster as part of a health promoting series developed by Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (see attached).
A key figure within the national water industry, Margaret Devlin, Managing Director for South East Water, is a keen advocate of the water and health alliance. She explained:
"As a drinking water company we are responsible for the abstraction, treatment and supply of good quality water to our customers. Implicit in this is the concern for people's health. It therefore seemed natural to work more closely with our colleagues in the National Health Service."