by Fern Shaw | Feb 10, 2025 | aquaid, Charity, Christian Aid, water cooler, Water Coolers
World Pulses Day
Since its inception in 2019, the 10th of February every year commemorates World Pulses Day. A few facts about pulses:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes eleven different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins and pulses nes (other minor types of pulses that don’t fit within the other categories).
Pulses are highly sustainable and climate-resilient crops. They require relatively low amounts of water compared to other protein sources and can grow on marginal land. They also help increase soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, making them a crucial element in crop rotation practices.*
World Pulses Day History
World Pulses Day serves as a global celebration of the nutritional and environmental benefits that pulses offer. Recognising the vital role these protein-rich legumes play in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing important issues such as food security, nutrition and climate change, World Pulses Day has seen an outpouring of support from governments, farmers, researchers and consumers alike, working collaboratively to ensure pulses become a staple part of diets on a global scale.
World Pulses Day provides an opportunity for the international community to celebrate the importance of pulses in ensuring a sustainable and healthy future.*
Christian Aid
From Christian Aid “For thousands of farming families in Malawi, pigeon peas are a route out of poverty. The mighty pigeon pea is drought resistant, so thrives in the dry fields of southern Malawi. It’s an essential part of the diet of millions of people around the world.
Together with our partners, we empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty, including giving them the skills to:
- Form cooperatives to improve their access to markets and secure a fairer price for their crops.
- Set up savings and loans to start their own businesses
- Boost the quality of their seeds and restore soil fertility
- Build warehouses to keep their crops safe from floods and cyclones, compete against large-scale producers and gain new markets
- Promote pigeon pea recipes to increase consumption in Malawi and prevent hunger.”
AquAid
Thanks to the support of AquAid customers, together we have funded projects in Malawi that have helped over 3,300 pigeon pea farming households by reducing income poverty.
By choosing AquAid as your water cooler provider, you are helping people living in poverty globally to access clean water and build healthy lives. AquAid has supported Christian Aid for more than 15 years, donating over £4 million to water and capacity building projects around the world.
*source: WinCalendar – World Pulses Day
by Fern Shaw | Feb 4, 2025 | water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
Hot water boilers are a terrific way to get instant hot water without having to wait for a kettle to boil. They are the perfect option for any busy premises or organisation where people need quick access to hot water for tea, coffee or indeed, any hot drinks.
Convenience. Hot water is dispensed at the touch of a button or slight handle rotation, making it faster and easier than waiting for a kettle to boil.
Energy efficient. Hot water boiler dispensers are more energy efficient than kettles as they only heat the water needed, rather than heating a whole kettle of water at once.
Safety. Every hot water boiler has a built-in safety mechanism which prevents overheating, making them safer than a boiling kettle.
Space-saving. As a hot water boiler can be installed under a counter or in a cupboard, a substantial amount of surface area or countertop space can be saved.
Versatility: From teas, coffees, hot chocolate through to soups, pasta and ramen, dispensing piping hot water from a hot water boiler broadens your hot water drink options.
Installing a hot water dispenser also provides other, unseen, advantages too:
Increased productivity. Having instant access to hot water can help you to be more productive, as there’s no time wasted waiting for the kettle to boil.
Reduces stress levels. Making a cup of tea or coffee can be a relaxing way to take a break from work or studies. Having instant access to hot water can make this process even more enjoyable, as although you’re taking a break, you’re still not needing to wait for a kettle to boil.
Saves money. Hot water boiler dispensers offer significant savings. More energy-efficient than kettles, they also help reduce water bills.
With a range of stylish finishes to complement any environment, AquAid hot water dispensers provide instant boiling water for staff, customers and visitors alike.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 28, 2025 | aquaid, water cooler, Water Coolers
It was the International Day of Education recently. The day is aimed at advocating for quality education and equal access to education for all.
Numerous activities promoting the significance of and highlighting how important education is, were held across the UK.
What may be surprising is that something as simple as drinking water can significantly impact a child’s education as staying hydrated is crucial for cognitive function, focus, and overall well-being, all of which play a vital role in a child’s ability to learn.
How does hydration affect learning?
Improved concentration and focus. When children are dehydrated, their brains don’t function at their best. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating, making it harder for them to pay attention in class and absorb information.
Enhanced memory and cognitive function. Studies have shown that proper hydration can improve memory, critical thinking skills and overall cognitive function. This means that well-hydrated children are better equipped to tackle challenging subjects and retain information.
Reduced illness and absenteeism. Dehydration can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to illness. By staying hydrated, children are less likely to get sick, reducing the number of school days missed and ensuring they don’t fall behind in their studies.
Improved mood and behaviour. Dehydration can affect mood, leading to irritability and fatigue. When children are well-hydrated, they are more likely to be happy, alert, and engaged in their learning.
What can parents and educators do to encourage children to drink water?
Make water readily available. Ensure that children have access to clean water throughout the day, both at home and at school.
Set a good example. Children are more likely to drink water if they see their peers, parents and teachers doing the same.
Encourage children to bring water bottles to school*. This allows them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
By making a conscious effort to ensure that children are well-hydrated is a simple method that can help create a more conducive learning environment and help them reach their full potential.
Installing AquAid water coolers and water fountains in places of education provides students and staff alike direct access to a constant source of drinking water. All which help create and instil better hydration habits.
AquAid also offer *free refillable drinking water bottles and free school posters to help keep water top of mind during the school day.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 16, 2025 | water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
Drinking water is essential for our physical health. It keeps us hydrated, helps our organs function properly and can even improve our skin. But can something as simple as drinking water help spark inspiration? While it might sound far-fetched, there’s a compelling link between hydration and cognitive function, which can indirectly influence our ability to be inspired.
Our brains are about 75% water. When we’re dehydrated, even mildly, our cognitive functions can take a hit. Studies have shown that dehydration can lead to:
Reduced concentration and focus. It becomes harder to stay on task and delve deep into thoughts.
Impaired memory. Both short-term and long-term memory can be affected, making it difficult to recall information or connect ideas.
Increased fatigue and brain fog. Feeling sluggish and mentally foggy can stifle creativity and make it harder to generate new ideas.
When we’re properly hydrated, our brains function more efficiently. This can translate to clearer thinking, improved focus and a greater ability to process information, all of which are conducive to inspiration. Inspiration often strikes when we’re in a state of mental clarity and openness.
While drinking water alone might not magically bestow inspiration, it plays a crucial role in supporting optimal brain function and creating an environment where inspiration is more likely to strike. By staying hydrated, we can enhance our cognitive abilities, improve our mood and increase our energy levels, all of which can contribute to a more inspired and creative state of mind. So, next time you’re seeking inspiration, remember to refill your water bottle or water glass at your water cooler and drink up – it might just be the spark you need.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 8, 2025 | Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers
We often mistakenly assume that keeping hydrated during winter is less important than in summer. This is not the case.
In winter, to keep warm, we rely on using heaters, hairdryers and hats (yep, hats) which quite literally suck the moisture and oils right out of our bodies, skin and hair. When we’re outside, low humidity and gusty winds don’t help much either.
Never fear though, as there are quite a few things you can incorporate into your daily routine that will snap you back into being bright eyed, clear skinned and bushy tailed – so to speak:
Use a humectant on your hair
Each week, condition with a treatment containing a *humectant like glycerine that attracts and locks in moisture, and in turn restores shine. If the humectant is water based, that’s the sort of thing to look for.
*Humectants are ingredients in products that draw moisture in.
Body scrubs and oils
Frigid temperatures and dry indoor heat cause water to evaporate from your skin because there’s more moisture in it than in the air. Bundling up doesn’t help matters – all those layers keep skin from breathing. There are ways to reduce these issues though. Once a week, exfoliate with a body scrub to help slough off dead cells that make skin look dull. You’ll also find that giving your skin a brisk scrub will warm you right up too. If you have sensitive or delicate skin, use a gentle method when exfoliating or scrubbing. When skin is freshly exfoliated, lotion and oil are better absorbed. To maintain hydration, smooth on moisturiser after bathing or showering.
Warm up your morning commute
Take a cosy tumbler of tea with you when you leave the house for the day. Not only will it keep you warm and hydrated, but it’ll do a body good – black tea may even prevent your body from absorbing fat from food.
‘Eat’ your water
Fruit and veg are packed with water, that high water content adds volume and keeps you satisfied without the calories. Soups are also a great way to sneak in some extra water. For a constant supply of piping hot water, day and night, speak to AquAid, whatever your hot & cold-water coolers and hot water boiler requirements.
Being fussy can help
A lot of us just don’t like drinking water, period. Try adopting a different approach. For example, if you don’t like drinking chilled water, try drinking your water at room temperature. If you’re into branded gear, use your favourite cartoon character branded water bottle to drink from if it makes your happy. Figure out what appeals to you. And since your ability to recognise your thirst may worsen as you age, today, as we plunge into the New Year, is a good a time as any to start getting into the keeping hydrated habit.
by Fern Shaw | Nov 27, 2024 | water cooler, Water Coolers
Winter is almost upon us, bringing with it time to bundle up, exercise less and usually eat less greens and more of the comfort food … or so we’d think.
But resorting to more hibernation type habits isn’t really the way to go (One of my personal mantras is ‘shoulda been a bear’ – as I believe hibernating for 8 months of the year is a sound idea). There are loads of options we can take in the winter months that aren’t that difficult to follow and can keep us as summer lean in the process.
Keep exercising
I’m not suggesting you swim the Channel or go running in minus ten-degree weather, but if you attend a gym or health fitness club, keep up with it. In cold months, your own exertions will keep you nice and toasty while exercising, instead of trying to continuously cool down when you’re exercising in the summer months. Just remember to keep hydrated. You can become just as dehydrated in winter as you can in the summer.
Drink water, lots of it.
If you don’t have access to a fitness club, exercise at home – there is tons of information on YouTube; on social media or on the internet in general, that can give you adequate instruction on exercise regimes you can follow to keep toned up.
Bulk up with rich, healthy food
Again, the instinct (which is hard wired into our genetic code) is to eat rich, fatty foods in winter so we can bulk up and insulate ourselves. Thing is, we’re not seals and we don’t live in the Arctic (even if some days if may feel like it). There are loads of options to eat hearty-warming food without packing on the weight.
It makes good sense to eat with the seasons. Food in season right now is plentiful which will keep your spend on food down, as in-season food is more readily available.
There’s such a vast range of seasonal food that’s available now, you’ll be spoilt for choice:
Fruit – Pears; apples, cranberries; elderberries and quinces are all in season now.
Vegetables – Artichoke, beetroot; butternut squash; celeriac; celery; chicory; chillies; horseradish; leeks; marrow; parsnips; pumpkin; shallots; swede; sweetcorn and tomatoes.
Herbs and nuts – Almonds; brazil nuts; chestnuts; chives; hazelnuts; rosemary; sage; sorrel and walnuts.
For the meat eaters – Beef; duck; lamb; rabbit; turkey and venison.
Fish – Clams; cod; dover sole; haddock; halibut; hake; lobster; mackerel and plaice.
Finally, in the food annals – don’t forget about good old porridge: Oats provide soluble fibre called beta-glucan which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. The fibre in oats makes it a slow-releasing carbohydrate which keeps blood sugars steady so should stop you reaching for a high-fat snack. If you are not a fan of porridge, add oats to smoothies, mueslis, or yogurts, to bread or fish.
Don’t stop drinking your water!
Throughout all of this, keeping up with exercising; eating the right food, the most important winter months regime is to keep up with drinking water – if you’re averse to cold water, then drink warm water.
If you’re dispensing water from your AquAid water cooler in the work place, office, store, shop, retail space, school, college or university, you’ll be spoilt for choice depending on which of our wide range you have installed. We supply high quality machines that dispense ambient temperature, hot, cool, or chilled water at the wave of your hand/at the touch of a button.
Not only does water fill you up and make you less inclined to eat too much, but often when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually dehydrated, so drinking enough water is a win-win all round.
