Stay safe this Summer from Dehydration and Swimmer’s Ear
Hydration is a key factor in swimming nutrition and performance. Yes, it seems kind of weird that you need to drink massive amounts of water to stay hydrated while hanging out in a big pool of water. But regardless of how wet and moist your skin feels, you can still be dehydrated on the inside. Not only that, but over 600 people per year die from heat overexposure in the US. Dehydration and Swimmer’s ear are two of the most common and easily avoidable conditions associated with summer. Make sure you and your family are protected when preparing to enjoy all of the benefits of summer!
Dehydration
When does it happen?
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic and always changing. This is especially true with water in the body.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The body's initial responses to dehydration are thirst to increase water intake, and decreased urine output to try to conserve water loss. The urine will become concentrated and more yellow in color. As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can become apparent. These are dry mouth, decreased sweating, muscle cramps, etc.
How is dehydration treated?
The best way to treat dehydration is to rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water,diluted squash or diluted fruit juice. A sweet drink can help to replace lost sugar, and a salty snack can help to replace lost salt.
Swimmer’s Ear
When does it happen?
Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often brought on by water that remains in your ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth. Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer's ear by damaging the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal.
What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they may get worse if your infection isn't treated or spreads. Doctors often classify swimmer's ear according to mild, moderate and advanced stages of progression. Most common symptoms are: Itching in your ear canal, Slight redness inside your ear, Increasing pain, etc.
How is it treated?
The goal of treatment is to stop the infection and allow your ear canal to heal. Cleaning your outer ear canal is necessary to help eardrops flow to all infected areas. Your doctor will use a suction device or ear curette to clean away any discharge, clumps of earwax, flaky skin and other debris.
No matter what your plans are this summer, you won't want to miss any of them. Combating the toll of the heat and sun on your body will keep you healthy and active all summer long. Read all the information above and get to know as much as you can about dehydration and swimmer’s ear, and you'll still be going strong as the leaves start to turn.
