A Refreshing Drink--by Katherine McPherson

My favorite flavored water combination: orange and cucumber

Proper hydration is essential to all of us, but it is particularly important for someone who has impaired health. Encouraging your loved one to drink fluids is important, and water is nearly always the best choice. An idea that may help you and your loved one stay hydrated this summer is to make flavored waters. Flavored waters are a great way to meet your daily hydration needs without adding excessive calories, added sugars, artificial ingredients or caffeine. You may be surprised at how delicious and refreshing this simple mixture can be.

All you do is cut up fruit (oranges, lemon, lime, apples, strawberries, grapefruit and tangerines are all common choices), cucumbers or herbs (mint) and add them to a pitcher of water. You can use any of these additions alone or in combination. Keep the pitcher covered in the refrigerator for up to three days and just refill it as it becomes around half-way empty. Try using pretty cups that are not overly large (large cups can be intimidating to some) and adding a garnish (wedge of fruit) for visual appeal. Enjoy!