Seven Tips for Healthy Swimming This Summer June 2, 2008
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Come on in, the Water’s Fine: Seven Tips for Healthy Swimming This Summer
There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a pool or a lake on a hot summer day. But before you dive in, remember that contaminated water from swimming pools, lakes, rivers or oceans can cause illnesses, including serious eye infections.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of outbreaks of recreational water illnesses has increased over the past decade. So what can you do to stay in the swim of things? Here are seven tips to keep you healthy in the water this summer.
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1. Observe swimming pool conditions.
Just because a pool has chlorinated water does not mean it is free of germs. Ask yourself the following: Is the water in the pool cloudy? Are there leaves or other debris in the water? Is the water being properly filtered?
Swimming pool water should look clean, clear and blue—you should be able to clearly see the painted stripes on the pool floor. Bacteria can develop when foreign substances such as leaves, insects or dirt enter the pool. Also look for drainage grills at the top of pool walls; water should be constantly lapping over the grills to be filtered.
2. Take the quiz.
Question: A healthy swimming pool should smell strongly of chlorine.
a) True
b) False
Answer: You might be surprised to know the answer is b) False.
Strong chemical odors are caused by the presence of chloramines, which are formed when chlorine combines with perspiration, urine, saliva, feces, body oils and other wastes introduced into pools by swimmers. A strong chemical smell actually indicates an unhealthy pool. A high level of chloramines is a common cause of eye and skin irritation.
3. Ask to see pool maintenance records.
Another important factor for maintaining a healthy swimming pool is the pH of the water. If the pH is not within a certain range, swimmers will start to feel irritation of their eyes and skin. Also, a balance should be kept between chlorine and pH levels, because the germ-killing power of chlorine varies with pH (as contaminants enter the pool, pH goes up and chlorine’s ability to kill germs goes down). Many states require public pools to be tested hourly.
4. Keep wading pools clean.
Shallow, warm wading pools—used by little ones who are not reliably toilet trained—are an ideal incubator for germs. Because they are not usually chlorinated, home wading pools should be emptied straight after use and scrubbed clean. Public wading pools might best be avoided.
5. Choose beaches carefully.
Sometimes a day at the beach is no picnic. Sewage or industrial waste, agricultural and urban runoff (such as fertilizers and pesticides), stormwater runoff, animal feces and pollution from boaters are just some of the things that can contaminate rivers, lakes and streams.
To reduce the likelihood of getting sick from swimming at the beach, find out if the beach you want to go to is monitored regularly and posted for closures or swimming advisories. You are less likely to be exposed to polluted water at these beaches.
In areas that are not monitored regularly, choose swimming sites in less developed areas with good water circulation. Avoid swimming at beaches where you can see discharge pipes or at urban beaches after a heavy rainfall.
6. Wear goggles. (Read About Goggles Here)
Wearing goggles is a necessity for maintaining clear vision and excellent eye health in the water. Over time, chlorine and other pool chemicals can actually begin to break down the tissue of the eye, so it’s important that you wear goggles each time you plan on opening your eyes in the water. When buying goggles, first check the fit. Goggles should stay on your eyes for more than a second when put on your face without using the straps; if they don’t, they are not the right fit for you. Goggles should also feel comfortable once you’ve got them on. The centerpiece over the nose should sit well, without cutting into your skin.
7. Beware of pinkeye. (Also See Here-(Eye Problems)
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The most common type of eye infection resulting from swimming in contaminated water is conjunctivitis, or “pinkeye.” Pinkeye is extremely contagious and is spread by person-to-person contact or contact with infected materials, such as towels. Avoid sharing towels or goggles with others. Taking a shower to rinse your skin, hair and eyes is important after each swim. If you have a discharge from your eyes or light sensitivity, see a doctor immediately. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to develop illnesses or infections after swimming in polluted water.
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[...] Seven Tips for Healthy Swimming This SummerJust because a pool has chlorinated water does not mean it is free of germs. Ask yourself the following: Is the water in the pool cloudy? Are there leaves or other debris in the water? Is the water being properly filtered? …Vision Health - Rebuild Your Vision - http://www.rebuild-your-vision.com [...]