ERIC HILLERY

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The other binge drinking

While concerned about protecting themselves from dehydration during physical exertion, many individuals might find a new danger lurking: excessive water intake.Although water is necessary to maintain proper health, too much can be harmful and, in extreme cases, can result in a poisoning of the blood known as hyponatremia.This illness can affect anyone but has recently made headlines on college campuses as well as among professional athletes.On February 11, 2004, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board released their findings after an ongoing study regarding water consumption among Americans.