While you are reading through our posts here, and on Facebook and Twitter, make sure that you are staying hydrated.  After all, even if your resolution for change isn’t related to increasing physical activity, we know that hydration is essential for good health.

So, stay motivated!  We’ll be here, waiting to hear about how your new pursuits are going.  Let us know!

So, in preparation of winter weather here and around the country don’t forget to stock up on essential foods and beverages. Our member companies provide myriad beverage options to keep you hydrated, whether you’re stuck inside or shoveling snow. Hydrating liquids such as bottled water, 100 percent juice, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas are essential to staying healthy.

After the storm blows over though, you can bet we’ll be right back out there being active. Because we understand that balancing the calories we consume from all foods and beverages with those we burn through physical activity and exercise is the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

The column defines triskaidekaphobia, shares some history about this notorious date, gives some context to how people in other countries feel about it and offers a few ways to skirt bad happenings.

(Spoiler alert! The article recommends that you touch wood, cross your fingers, avoid black cats, don’t look at the full moon through a pane of glass and throw salt over each shoulder.)

We think there might be easier solutions to avoiding bad luck today, especially if there’s no salt close by, like keeping yourself hydrated – and following us on Facebook and Twitter.  Okay, maybe not the latter, but we still hope you check in with us!

Whatever you superstition may or may not be on this day, we hope it turns out to be a great afternoon and evening for you!

Here are some fun facts about hydration that you might not know:

• Did you know it only takes a loss of one to two percent of your body’s ideal water content to cause dehydration? Vigorous activity during the winter, such as sledding, skating, snowboarding and skiing, along with the addition of extra layers of clothing can lead to rapid loss of body fluid and can cause hydration more quickly than you think.
• Did you also know that high altitude can affect hydration? Higher elevations cause harder and more frequent breathing, resulting in loss of more fluids. So, if you’re hitting the slopes, take a little extra time to make sure you’re well hydrated.

So stay active – and hydrated – during these winter months.  Winter has a lot of fun activities to offer, but remember these tips while you’re active. Your body will thank you for it. Please check out our website to learn more about our industry’s myriad products and to find out more about hydration.

There’s plenty to do this weekend, whether you’re up for getting outside for a run in the cool temperatures, shooting some hoops at the your local recreation center, tuning in to your cheer on your favorite football team, catching a movie or just spending some time with friends and family.

Whatever you decide, we hope you enjoy the weekend.  And don’t forget to check back with us next week, when we’ll take up more issues of importance to the beverage industry.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Thirty-two teams have battled week in and week out for a chance to make it to the playoffs and ultimately on to the biggest game of the season, the 2012 Super Bowl.  Now that only 12 teams remain in the hunt, the stakes are even higher.  The excitement unfolds this Saturday as the wildcard games begin and the lower seeded teams match up against each other for a chance to move on.

We hope you’ll tune into the games and cheer on your favorite teams.  And when the games are over (or before they start!), get out there and get active.  After all, professional athletes would undoubtedly be among the first to tell you about the important role that physical activity and exercise have in an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle.  Just take a look at the NFL’s Play 60 initiative.

This weekend, wear your team’s colors with pride.  And while you heat up the grill, don’t forget to hydrate with your favorite non-alcoholic beverages and cheer on your favorite teams.

This time of year reminds us of the important role that physical activity plays in a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  So, get out there despite the dark mornings for a jog.  And join us on the slopes when the snow starts coming down.

Enjoy the season change, and have a great upcoming holiday weekend.  Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated with some refreshing and great tasting drinks from our member companies’ wide array of beverage options.

Did you know that our industry is much more than just soda? Our member companies make a wide variety of products from sports drinks, bottled water and water beverages, energy drinks, 100 percent juice and juice drinks, soft drinks and diet soft drinks and ready-to-drink teas. There is something for everyone and a beverage for every moment.

So, if you’re interested in learning about the electrolytes in sports drinks, or the caffeine content in bottled teas, look no further. Our products issue site has lots of  information to help you learn even more  about your favorite beverages.  And remember, by putting calorie information on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce, we’re making it easier for consumers to make more informed choices about the beverages that are best for themselves and their families.

While you quench your thirst for knowledge today, don’t forget to quench your real thirst – and stay hydrated!

We hope the winter chill isn’t discouraging you from getting out there.  After all, you wouldn’t want to miss all of the lights!  We hope you’re enjoying the holiday season so far and let us know if you have other holiday themed videos to share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Plus, you can take advantage of Clear on Calories to help you out.  By voluntarily putting calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce, we’re making it easier for consumers to make informed choices about the beverages that are best for themselves and their families.

Get out there and have fun with family and friends this December.  And don’t forget to stay hydrated!