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Thursday May 17, 2012

Safe swimming isn't just about prevent drownings.

You also want to make sure your kids stay healthy while they are swimming and that they don't get other people sick. But how do people learn about healthy swimming?

A new report from the CDC, "Promotion of Healthy Swimming After a Statewide Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with Recreational Water Venues - Utah, 2008-2009," discusses the impact of a multimedia healthy swimming campaign in the state, a campaign that helped residents of Utah do a better job than residents of other states answer questions like:

• Is it okay to swim if you have diarrhea?
• Does chlorine kill germs instantly?
• Is pool water quality the same as drinking water?
• Could an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis be prevented if all pools are well maintained?

In case you are wondering, the answer to all of those questions is 'no.'

Because chlorine does not kill germs instantly, you should not go swimming if you have diarrhea and you should not swallow water that you are swimming in. Other healthy swimming habits include washing your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, showering or bathing with soap before getting in the pool, and taking young children on frequent bathroom breaks so that they don't go in the water.

The 2007 Cryptosporidium outbreak in Utah got at least 5,700 people sick. Unfortunately, it isn't the only outbreak we have seen in recent years. There were also large outbreaks in North Texas, Idaho, and Pennsylvania.

Many people overlook the fact that kids can get sick from the germs in the water of pools, lakes, and water parks. Taking some simple steps can help keep your kids -- and everyone else -- safe while swimming.

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Swimming - Staying Safe and Healthy
Cryptosporidium
Controlling Crypto Outbreaks
CDC - Six Steps for Healthy Swimming

Thursday May 17, 2012

We get frequent reminders about how common drowning is, so it likely isn't a surprise that a new report from the CDC that was released today, "Drowning - United States, 2005-2009," states that "drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, and the highest rates are among children."

And although drowning death rates have been decreasing, drowning is still the "leading cause of injury death among children aged 1-4 years."

The study also found that:

• on average, 3,880 people drown each year in the United States
• on average, about 5,789 people are treated in the emergency room or nonfatal drowning incidents each year in the United States
• drowning and near-drowning rates are highest among children who are 4 years old and younger, where incidents most commonly occur in swimming pools and bathtubs
• as kids get older, they are more likely to drown in a swimming pool or natural body of water

Again, facts about drowning shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Each week, especially this time of year, we report on multiple drownings in our Saturday Safety Roundup. That makes it important to seriously think about the interventions in the CDC report, which include:

• learning survival swimming skills and taking formal swimming lessons
• putting environmental protections in place, such as four-sided pool fencing to separate a backyard swimming pool from the house and making sure life guards are on duty at public pools and beaches
• not drinking alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising kids in the water, etc.
• making sure all boaters and kids who can't swim well always wear a life-jacket
• learning CPR

Most importantly, be aware of drowning hazards in and around your home and supervise your kids around the water.

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Drowning in Portable Pools
Drownings and Near- Drowning Accidents
Drowning Prevention
Swim Lessons for Kids

Thursday May 17, 2012

As cold and flu season ends, another season begins.

For many, it means the start of spring allergy season. A lot of people also know it as poison ivy season.

Although poison ivy plants can trigger a rash year round, as the weather warms up and everyone spends more time outdoors, that means a lot more opportunities to get exposed to poison ivy and get a poison ivy rash.

Especially if your kids often get poison ivy, this can be a great time to learn more about avoiding and treating poison ivy, to help make sure your family has an itch-free spring and summer.

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Poison Ivy Treatment Guide
Poison Ivy Pictures
Avoiding Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy Quiz