As everyone heads to the lakes and rivers, don't forget to take care of your ears! The bacterial counts in fresh water is higher than our chlorinated pool, and every year we have at least a handful of swimmers who end up with the painful condition. After lake or river swimming, a little water can get trapped in the ear, and it is a perfect environment for bacterial growth.
If your child is complaining of an ear ache, and he or she says it hurts when you tug on the earlobe or press on the tragus (that funny bump on the ear), it is a good idea to get your kiddo to the doctor for a check. Ask your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
If your child is complaining of an ear ache, and he or she says it hurts when you tug on the earlobe or press on the tragus (that funny bump on the ear), it is a good idea to get your kiddo to the doctor for a check. Ask your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
For a simple and cheap preventative solution, please click the Mayo Clinic link provided for information about how to prevent Swimmer's ear.
Also, please take care of your eyes and body by keeping your equipment and body clean. Try to shower soon after an open water swim and be sure to change or clean your contacts after open water swimming. Barbara Hummel, head coach of the UV Rays, also recommends swabbing your goggles with a Q-Tip and some anti-bacterial soap to prevent eye infections.
When entering the water, don't forget to check for plants such as poison ivy, poison parsnip or giant hogweed. All of those plants can create havoc on an otherwise great summer day! Poison parsnip and giant hogweed are sun-reactive, and the sap can create chemical burns on the skin when exposed to UV rays.
We want everyone to have as much time on swim team as possible, and we hope this helps keep our swimmers as healthy and as safe as possible!
Happy swimming!
Nicola
