My second home

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday May 1, 2023 06:00

It was the first day of school holidays, and the possibilities of an entire day stretching out before me filled me with excitement. With a spring in my step, I jumped out of bed, eager to make the most of my newfound freedom.

I quickly threw on my favourite basketball jersey, laced up my sneakers, and grabbed my trusty basketball, which had been sitting patiently in the corner of my room, waiting for this moment.

I could already hear the faint sound of birds chirping outside, beckoning me to come and play. With a skip in my step, I made my way to the local basketball court, a place that had become my second home during the summer break.

As I approached the court, a familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. I could hardly contain my excitement as I stepped onto the freshly waxed hardwood, feeling its smoothness under my sneakers.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air, and began to warm up with a few dribbles, the familiar rhythm of the ball bouncing echoing in my ears. As I started to shoot, my focus sharpened, and the rest of the world faded away. It was just me, the ball, and the hoop. As I dribbled, passed, and shot, I lost track of time, completely absorbed in the joy of the game.

The sound of the ball swishing through the net, the feel of the ball leaving my fingertips, and the anticipation of each shot were exhilarating. I revelled in the freedom of not having to worry about homework or exams, just being able to play without any distractions.

I was soon joined by some of my friends, who had also come to the court to play. We laughed, cheered, and challenged each other to games of one-on-one and three-point shootouts.

The friendly competition fueled our enthusiasm, and our skills were on full display as we played and scored with precision. As the sun rose higher in the sky, and the morning turned into afternoon, we reluctantly realised that we had been playing for hours. Despite our exhaustion, we couldn't help but smile as we made our way back home, our faces flushed with exertion and our spirits soaring with the joy of the game. As the front door beckoned to my now exhausted body, I dashed to the refrigerator. I reached for the water jug right away. The coolness invaded my arm and conquered my sweltering body as my fingers closed on the handle. My glass was filled as high as physics permitted.

As the liquid tsunami raged past my oropharynx, I felt the liberation of my captive serotonin soldiers. Now that this internal battle had been won, I felt revitalised. Nothing refreshes like water. But what is the best water to drink? Water is essential for the survival of all living organisms. Water not only supports vital physical functions, but it also provides vital nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own. While most people in Botswana have access to safe drinking water, many prefer bottled mineral water because of its perceived purity and potential health benefits. In most urban areas, tap water sourced from municipal water supplies is widely available and easily accessible. To meet regulatory standards, it is subjected to treatment processes such as filtration and disinfection.

One of the advantages of tap water is that it is usually cheap and convenient, as it is readily available in homes, schools, and workplaces. Furthermore, tap water is frequently fortified with minerals such as fluoride to support dental health, and it is also tested on a regular basis to ensure its quality. Prepared water, also known as purified water, is treated further to remove impurities such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. This type of water is commonly found in bottled water and is popular due to its clean taste and clarity. Prepared water can be a good option for those who are concerned about potential contaminants in tap water or who live in areas where tap water quality is poor. Natural mineral spring water, on the other hand, is derived from underground springs and, as a result of its geological location, is naturally rich in minerals. It is typically bottled at the source and is frequently marketed for its distinct flavour and mineral content. Mineral spring water is known to contain beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are necessary for good health. According to some studies, drinking mineral-rich water may aid digestion, bone health, and overall well-being. In terms of environmental impact, tap water is often considered the most eco-friendly option as it requires minimal packaging and transportation. On the other hand, both prepared water and natural mineral spring water often come in plastic bottles, which can contribute to plastic waste and environmental pollution. Furthermore plastic bottles that contain BPA (Bisphenol A) have been linked to fertility issues, altered brain development, cancer and heart complications. So which water is the best? Studies suggest that drinking mineral water may have health benefits, though little research directly suggests that it is better for a person's health than tap water. Ultimately, it largely depends on personal preference. Tap water is convenient, inexpensive and mineral-fortified, though there may be concerns about contamination from copper pipes. Natural mineral spring water is naturally rich in minerals, whereas prepared water is purified and may be preferred for its clean taste. Finally, staying hydrated with clean, safe water, regardless of source, is critical for good health. Aim for at least two litres of water per day.