Summer's here, the kids are out of school and many families are planning vacations. Or maybe this year you're just going to stay close to home and enjoy the local parks and pools. Or, if you're one of the lucky ones living near one our country's beautiful coastlines, you may plan on hitting the beach. Whatever your summer holds in store, be prepared with the knowledge to keep yourself and your family healthy.
You probably keep your bathroom sparkling clean. Scrub the toilet, sink, tub and shower on a regular basis with an antibacterial cleaner. Hopefully, one that's Eco-friendly. And, if you have children, you've more than likely had that unforgettable experience when they've been in the tub and had that #2 accident in the bath water. If you're like me, you cleaned up the child, cleaned up the tub and then bleached the whole area thoroughly just to make sure it was germ free.
When you go to any body of water to swim that is used by other people, you're basically bathing with those people. If you're going to a public pool, you may feel that you're completely safe, since they're chemically treated. That's not necessarily the case. Chlorine does kill MOST germs in a pool if the level is properly maintained. Key words: LEVEL IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. If you're swimming in a pool full of people, you can count on some of them having at least trace amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms, especially the children. That fecal matter is going to wash off into the pool. Then you have the occasional child who has diarrhea and doesn't tell anyone. All of this is going into the water. Some germs will survive the chlorine. It's important to never, never, never swallow the pool water. Train your children in the importance of this rule.
Hot tubs and spas are even more critical due to the high temperatures which allows the chlorine to evaporate faster. Chemical levels in hot tubs and spas, especially in extremely hot weather, should be checked throughout the day. If you are spending several hours at a pool and see no one coming to check the chlorine levels, be concerned. Don't be fooled by thinking that just because you can smell the chlorine it must be clean and free of germs. If you swim responsibly, make common sense decisions and have a strong immune system you should be able to enjoy the summer at the local pool without any health issues. Boost your immune system with a natural herbal blend of echinacea angustifolia, purpurea and pallida just for the extra precaution to fight any bacteria that may survive.
If you choose to swim in our beautiful lakes and rivers, remember they can become contaminated by other swimmers, as well as from wildlife, plus they aren't chemically treated. Take care to swim in cool, clear water. Never swim in warm, stagnant water. Again, the common sense rules apply. Never, never swallow the water. Even though the water can enter your body through other ways; eyes, ears, cuts; if you take precautions and, again, keep your immune system strong, you should have a safe, fun time in a natures environment.
Some common infections you are being exposed to when you frequent pools, spas, lakes, and rivers are gastro-intestinal and skin. One of these nasty infections is bacillary dysentery. An infection caused by ingesting fecal matter. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. One that's much more serious is E.Coli. This can also be caused by ingesting contaminated pool water and will result in diarrhea. But, again, with a healthy immune system, and responsible swimming habits, you should be happy and healthy throughout the summer.
Many of the people who are afflicted with these ailments tend to be children. They're the ones who do a lot of the swimming. And, they also happen to be the ones who usually have the hardest time remembering not to swallow he water. In addition to keeping their little immune systems strong, include an elixir of herbs that will cleanse the blood and lymph. One that blends ingredients of mullein and senna leaf, ginger and echinacea root, rose hips seeds, elderberry, and chamomile, with a natural base of vegetable glycerin and crystal water.
