IS YOUR WATER UP TO PAR? HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DRINKING WATER FOR YOUR FAMILY
Here in America, the fastest and easiest way to get drinking water is from the tap in your sink, but there are nearly a dozen other types of water available at most grocery stores. If you stroll down the aisle, you’ll see mineral water, spring/glacier water, distilled water, alkaline water, and more. Any of these will sate your thirst, but they’re not all created equal. Your Guide to the World of Water If you’re on the hunt for the healthiest water available and cost isn’t an issue, then mineral water (pulled from a mineral spring) is your best bet. According to Healthline, the minerals added to this water, like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, can boost your health and improve your digestion. Spring/glacier water isn’t always filtered and can sometimes come with health risks. Alkaline water is risky, too, because it reduces the acidity of your
stomach and makes you more susceptible to illnesses, and too much will make you sick. Distilled water is safe to drink, but it doesn’t have any beneficial minerals.
If your family can’t afford to buy mineral water for daily use, tap water and well water are good affordable alternatives. However, they’re both prone to contamination. Before drinking straight from the source, you should test your water for pollutants. Testing Your Tap If you own or rent a home, you should get a Consumer Confidence Report on your tap water every year (or your landlord should!). This will show the levels of contaminants in your water. You can look for your report at EPA.gov/ccr, and if it’s not there, call your water supplier or the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). If you use well water, reach out to a certified laboratory for testing. Simply head to EPA.gov/dwlabcert and click “Contact Information for Certification Programs and Certified Laboratories.” When In Doubt, Filter It Out If your tap water or well water is contaminated, you’ll need to filter it. The cheapest way to do this is with a water filter pitcher or faucet-mounted filter, but you can also invest in a faucet-integrated filter or under-sink option. To learn more about these options and which one is right for you, visit CDC.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html .
EASY CRANBERRY- APPLE SALAD Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
For the salad: • 1/4 cup dried pumpkin seeds • 5 cups salad mix • 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped into bite-size pieces • 1/3 cup dried cranberries • 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
For the dressing: • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp honey • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds until fragrant, then set aside. 2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients, then set aside. 3. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing until lightly coated, then toss and serve!
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