LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
H 2 Oh!
Drink up! It's good for you, or so they say. Drinking lots of water, at least 64 oz (8 cups) daily, is essential for good health maintenance. But there are some types of water you may want to avoid. Take for instance the water in a swimming pool. Certainly looks clear and inviting doesn't it? Well yes and no. You may want to swim in it but, by all means, avoid gulping it in. It may not be anyone's fault, but pool water can be quite "iffy." That's because it may be contaminated with some really dangerous bug nasties like crypto (short for cryptosporidium) a really nasty bug that is resistant to chlorine. Chlorine is effective in killing most of the bug nasties but not all. Your eyes can't see the tiny, nearly invisible pool germs like E coli, shigella, and the ever-popular giardia. These contaminate pool water and cause major stomach ailments. Not only the stomach is affected but eyes, ears, and skin are also sources of infection. These microbes are especially rough on young children and the elderly. Some require hospitalization. Pregnant women and any person with a weakened immune system are also warned to take extra precautions whether at a friend's pool, their own, a community pool, or even a water park. Throw in your occasional spa or hot tub and you've got a lot to worry about. Now you wouldn't want to dip a glass in your hot tub water and drink it, would you? But many of us do unintentionally swallow tainted water. Many of these cases of contamination go unreported, so we really don't know the full impact. It can actually take a couple of weeks (in some cases) for you to feel sick. Many never make the connection between the contaminated water and being sick, so statistics are debatable. OK, so your Aunt Ida just got back from some Middle Eastern country that's not noted for its cleanliness. She happens to come down with a serious case of Montezuma's Revenge. Yikes! And while she's still recovering, she decides to take a dip in your back yard swimming pool. Believe it or not, you and your family can actually contract her E coli infection thru the pool wateryuck! But it does happen. If you've been sick with diarrhea you should shower off before you enter a pool, spa, or hot tub. If you've really been sick, just stay out. Don't risk other people's healthbe considerate. Proper maintenance is essential to provide safe water for all to enjoy. Read the instructions for these facilities. Change the water, chlorinate, run the filter and test the water for optimal performance. So, could this also happen when swimming in a river, bay or ocean? Most likely, yes. These water ways are certainly much more polluted than your backyard pool or hot tub. Or so we may think. Many other types of contaminants enter those water sources. Be aware and stay healthy. Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit him at www.ricksfitness.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 10 July 27, 2007 |