From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.
Drinking enough water is important to our health. If we want to operate at our highest level and feel great both mentally and physically, we need to stay hydrated throughout the day.
But often … we don’t.
People may go through their days dehydrated and not even know it.
Dehydration can make you sick. Extreme dehydration can lead to death.
However, many side effects of dehydration are not life-threatening. But they can still affect your health. In fact, you may be suffering from some of these side effects without knowing that dehydration is the cause.
First: What is dehydration?
Dehydration happens when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. Your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.
On the U.S. Geological Survey Water Science School website, experts explain how much of our bodies are made of water.
Jeffrey Utz is a doctor of neuroscience and children’s medicine at Allegheny University in Pennsylvania. He writes that different bodies have different amounts of water in them. And that amount changes throughout our lives.
Babies have the highest percentage of water in their bodies. When we are born our bodies are about 78 percent water. By the time we turn one year old, that amount drops to about 65 percent.
Adult men are about 60 percent water, while adult women are about 55 percent.
Your body type matters, too.
The amount of muscle or fat you have affects the percentage of water in your body. People with more fatty tissue have less water than people with less fatty tissue.
Now, let’s talk about how dehydration affects the body. Experts on the website Health.com explain the signs of dehydration.
Here are the top five:
You have bad breath and bad skin
Bad breath is a sign that the mouth does not have enough saliva. This increases bacteria and results in bad breath.
And for healthy skin, it is important to drink a lot of water. Skin doctors warn that skin creams only do so much. The best way to hydrate your skin is from the inside out.
You feel tired
If you feel tired during the day, your body may be telling you to drink some water. One doctor on Health.com explains that, when you are dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, your heart rate increases and blood flow to the brain slows. These can all make you feel tired. This doctor adds that when your muscles don’t get enough water, physical work can be more difficult and tiring.
Your workout could be affected.
Our bodies often do not know the difference between hunger and thirst. One of the experts on Health.com advises high-level athletes on kinds of foods to eat. That expert is Amy Goodson. She explains that when you exercise while dehydrated, your body uses stored carbohydrates faster than if you were fully hydrated. She adds that once you finish exercising, your body will want those carbohydrates back. This, she warns, may lead to overeating.
Your brain works poorly
When our bodies do not get enough water, blood flow to the brain slows. This can cause several problems. You may get in a bad mood. Every little thing gets on your nerves, or angers you. You may have a difficult time focusing. You may not be able to think clearly about a problem. Dehydration can also cause headaches.
You suffer from muscle cramps
When your body does not get enough water, it sends out an emergency signal to protect the most important organs. So, the body sends the fluids in the body away from non-important parts of the body like the muscles. This can lead to painful muscle cramps.
Okay. So, how much water do you need?
The amount of water you need to stay hydrated depends on many conditions.
On average, an adult male needs about 3 liters of water every day. An adult female needs to get about 2.2 liters of water every day. Keep in mind, this doesn’t have to come only from drinking. We also get water from the foods we eat, especially from fruits and some vegetables.
However, some people need to drink more than others.
Those who exercise every day should drink more water. Anyone who drinks a lot caffeine or alcohol in a day should drink extra water, as well.
If you are recovering from a sickness, you should drink more water than usual. And if you work outside or in hot conditions, make sure you drink enough water.
And that’s the Health & Lifestyle Report.
I’m Anna Matteo …
and I’m Bryan Lynn.
 
Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
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Quiz
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Words in This Story
 
hydrated – v. to supply (something) with water  ­– adj. to drink enough water : Remember to stay hydrated.
dehydrated – v. to lose too much water
saliva – n. the liquid produced in your mouth that keeps your mouth moist and makes it easier to swallow food
thirst – n. an uncomfortable feeling that is caused by the need for something to drink
athlete – n. a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength
carbohydrate – n. any one of various substances found in certain foods (such as bread, rice, and potatoes) that provide your body with heat and energy and are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
mood – n. the way someone feels : a person's emotional state
focus – v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific
fluid – n. capable of flowing freely like water
muscle cramp – medical noun A muscle cramp is a strong, painful contraction or tightening of a muscle that comes on suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. It often occurs in the legs.(2018/08/21 07:05)

Pope Francis released a letter to Roman Catholics around the world Monday condemning sexual abuse by Church officials and efforts to hide it. He demanded responsibility be taken but he did not say how he might punish those involved. He also did not propose a plan to stop such wrongdoing.
Francis asked forgiveness for the suffering of victims. He said all Catholics must be involved in the effort to stop abuse and attempts to hide abuse. He denounced the clergy culture that has been blamed for the crisis. Church leaders are accused of being more concerned with their self-image than the safety of children.
“With shame and repentance,” Francis wrote, we admit “we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives.”
He added, “We showed no care for the little ones.”
The Vatican released the three-page letter before Francis' trip to Ireland Saturday.
Francis’ letter was a reaction to American and Irish pressure that he takes a strong position on the worldwide abuse crisis. That pressure increased after he traveled to Chile in January. There he dismissed victims' accusations of abuse as “calumny,” meaning lies to hurt someone’s image.
The pope's trip to Ireland was expected to deal with sex abuse in the Church. However, it became an even bigger issue following reports about one of the pope’s most trusted Church officials in the U.S.
Several people have accused the retired archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick, of sexually abusing young people and adults in training to enter the clergy.
In addition, a Pennsylvania grand jury last week reported that at least 1,000 children were victims of about 300 clergymen over the past 70 years. The report said generations of high-level church officials repeatedly failed to take measures to protect children or punish suspects.
Also, investigations into sex abuse continue to grow in Chile. Chilean police have raided Church records to try to learn what it has known about its abusive clergy.
In his letter, which was released in seven languages, Francis spoke about the Pennsylvania report. But, Church officials said the message was meant for people around the world.
Francis wrote, “No effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up…”
Some supporters of victims said the letter was not enough.
Anne Barrett Doyle is with the research group Bishop Accountability. On Monday, the group released information on Irish clergy accused or found guilty of sex abuse.
“Mere words at this point deepen the insult and the pain,” she said of the pope’s letter. She also said, Francis should order the release of names of all priests who have been found guilty under Church law of abusing young people.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro praised the pope's letter. He also urged local Church officials to “cease their denials and deflections'' and accept the grand jury terms. Those include changing limits on the amount of time people have to bring a legal case against a person or a group.
I’m Caty Weaver.
 
Nicole Winfield reported this story for the Associated Press. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Mario Ritter was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
 
shame - n. a feeling of guilt, regret, or sadness that you have because you know you have done something wrong​
repentance -​ n. the act of feeling or showing you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right​
magnitude -​ n. the size, extent, or importance of something​
gravity - n. a very serious quality or condition: the condition of being grave or serious​
grand jury - n. (U.S. law) a group of people who look at the evidence against someone who has been accused of a crime in order to decide if there should be a trial​
mere -​ adj. used to say that something or someone is small, unimportant, etc.
deflection -​ n.the act of changing or causing something to change direction​(2018/08/21 06:57)

 
This is What’s Trending Today…
Italian actor Asia Argento is among the leading activists of the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse in Hollywood. She was one of the first women to publicly accuse film producer Harvey Weinstein of abuse.
Now, a young actor and musician says Argento sexually assaulted him.
The New York Times reports that Argento recently reached a financial settlement with the accuser, Jimmy Bennett.
Bennett, who is 22, reportedly had filed documents describing the claim of assault and his plan to sue Argento.
Bennet says Argento had sex with him in a California hotel in 2013. He had just turned 17 years old. Argento was 37 at the time. The age of sexual consent in California is 18.
The documents say the experience harmed Bennett mentally and hurt his career, the Times reported.
The New York Times says it received court documents that included a picture of Argento and Bennett in bed together. Three people close to the case said the documents were real, the Times reported.
Argento reportedly agreed to pay Bennett $380,000.
Argento and Bennett co-starred in a 2004 film called "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things." In the movie, Argento played a sex worker who was Bennett's mother. 
Argento is one of the best-known activists of the #MeToo movement. Last year, she told the New Yorker magazine that Weinstein raped her at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997 when she was 21 years old.
Argento told the magazine that she continued to have a relationship with Weinstein because she was afraid of angering him.
Weinstein has been charged with sex crimes against three women. Argento is not one of them.
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
I’m Ashley Thompson
 
The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
 
assault - v. to violently attack (someone or something)
file - v. to give (something, such as an official form or a legal document) to someone in authority so that it can be considered, dealt with, approved, etc.
sue - v.  to use a legal process by which you try to get a court of law to force a person, company, or organization that has treated you unfairly or hurt you in some way to give you something or to do something : to bring a lawsuit against someone or something
consent - n. permission for something to happen or be done(2018/08/21 06:56)

 
After winning the silver medal in the men’s marathon event at the 2016 Olympic Games, Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa went to the United States. He has lived in exile there for the last two years. Now, he has decided to return home.
Feyisa decided to go back to Ethiopia after two athletics organizations told him he would be welcomed as a hero when he arrived.
Ashebir Woldegiorgis, the president of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, told VOA that the call for Feyisa’s return is meant to better the country.
“He can teach his exemplary ways to other athletes and teach strength to our youngsters,” Ashebir said.
A sign of protest
Feyisa made international news at the Rio de Janeiro games when he crossed his arms above his head after finishing the race. The move was a sign of support for anti-government protesters in Ethiopia. Feyisa made the same sign when he received his silver medal at the 2016 summer games.
At the time, Ethiopia was moving towards declaring emergency rule. Violent demonstrations were spreading across the Oromia area of Ethiopia. Ethnic Oromos were protesting oppression and other human rights violations. 
After the games, Ethiopia’s information minister at the time, Getachew Reda, congratulated Feyisa. He also guaranteed the athlete that it was safe to come home.
But, Feyisa used a special-skill visa to go to the U.S. instead. He settled in Flagstaff, Arizona. Six months later his wife, son and daughter joined him.
Taking a stand
While living in Arizona, Feyisa continued to publicly discuss the human rights situation in Ethiopia. He also continued training.
“There were times when things were happening, and I wrote things from my inner thoughts, not because I have skills, but [because] people take my message and share it,” Feyisa told VOA.
“But I am an athlete, and I am not that appealing. But when I write what I feel and people share, I am happy with it,” he added.
Haile Gebrselassie is a retired Ethiopian runner and winner of two Olympic gold medals who now serves with the Ethiopian Athletic Federation. He told VOA that the decision to invite Feyisa back was connected to the athlete’s willingness to take a stand.
“He was born fearless. I knew him personally, and I was close to him. And he questions why people should be oppressed. He stands up for his people.”
Ashebir Woldegiorgis expressed similar praise. He said Feyisa raised his voice at great personal risk.
“I like heroes,” Ashebir said. “I respect people who stand up and speak up.”
Rebuilding relationships
Ethiopia has reached out to several other exiled citizens.
Since the state of emergency was lifted in June, the government has removed several groups from its list of terrorist organizations. A delegation of Oromo Liberation Front members even visited the capital, Addis Ababa, Tuesday. Last week, the group agreed to end hostilities with the government.
Feyisa says he will continue to train in running when he returns to Ethiopia. Along with that, he said, “I just want to share my gratitude. I would like to thank our citizens who sacrificed their lives … all of the young people and the elders who participated in the struggle.”
I'm Phil Dierking
 
Salem Solomon wrote this report for VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
Do you think athletes should be able to protest their government at the Olympics? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
 
athlete - n. a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength​
exemplary - adj.  extremely good and deserving to be admired and copied​
gratitude - n. a feeling of appreciation or thanks​
elder - n. of greater age​
participate - v. to take part in an activity or event with others(2018/08/21 06:55)

 
Afghan forces rescued nearly 150 people hours after their abduction by Taliban militants. The militants, however, escaped with 21 people following a battle in Kunduz in northern Afghanistan.
The quick response marked a rare battlefield success for the government after weeks of continuing attacks. A government spokesman said tribal leaders were trying to negotiate their release.
The Taliban have been fighting the U.S.-backed Afghan government for nearly 17 years. Recently, they have stepped up attacks, seizing rural areas and launching major attacks against government forces every day.
Earlier this month, the militants seized several neighborhoods in Ghazni, a city 120 kilometers from the capital, Kabul. It took more than five days for government forces to re-take the city with help from U.S. airstrikes and advisers.
The battle for Ghazni killed at least 100 government troops and 35 civilians. The Defense Ministry said about 200 militants were killed.
The latest attack came a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposed a holiday ceasefire. The proposal would be conditional on the Taliban halting attacks and could last up to three months.
Ceasefire and prison releases
Presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansoori said on Monday the government would continue its operations against the Taliban until their leadership announces an official ceasefire.
However, he added, the Afghan security forces will continue their operations against other Islamic State militants and drug smugglers. 
Taliban sources said their leaders had told local commanders to stop fighting for four days this week during the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha. But they were not likely to officially announce anything, the sources said. 
Chakhansoori also said the Afghanistan government had asked the Taliban for a prisoner list for possible release over Eid. He said the government would consider releasing Taliban prisoners that were old, sick, or who had finished jail terms or were declared free by courts.
The Taliban said they would also release a number of prisoners over Eid.
The US ready to support
From the United States, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that the U.S. is ready to support direct negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
Pompeo said in a statement, "The United States welcomes the announcement by the Afghan government of a cease-fire conditioned on Taliban participation. This plan responds to the clear and continued call of the Afghan people for peace.”
"The last cease-fire in Afghanistan revealed the deep desire of the Afghan people to end the conflict, and we hope another ceasefire will move the country closer to sustainable security," the statement added.
The last ceasefire was in June and lasted for three days.
I’m Phil Dierking.
Ayesha Tanzeem and Ayaz Gul reported this story for VOA News. Phil Dierking adapted the story for Learning English with additional materials from the Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor.
Do you think violent conflicts should stop during religious holidays? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
response - n. something that is said or written as a reply to something
participate - v. to take part in an activity or event with others​
smuggle - v. to take or bring (something) secretly​
source - n. someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed​
reveal - v. to make (something) known
sustainable - adj. able to last or continue for a long time​(2018/08/21 06:51)