A lot of families are spending time at the pool and lakes this summer. Drowning prevention is always key in keeping everyone safe but there are some other aches and pains you need to be cautious of.
They are what the Center for Disease Control call recreational water illnesses.
Swimmer's ear happens when contaminated water gets in the ear. Symptoms include aching but this isn't the common ear infection because it happens in a different part of the ear.
Another is swimmer's itch. It's a rash after swimming in lakes and ponds. It's an allergic reaction to parasites carried by birds or other animals.
And swimmer's shoulder is most common in avid swimmers who overuse the muscles.
Here are some ways to avoid these ailments. For swimmer's ear try and use ear plugs. Also clean them out with a towel after swimming and showering.
To avoid swimmer's itch, towel dry instead of air drying after swimming, especially if you're in a lake or pond.
For swimmer's shoulder try giving it a rest. There are some stretches or physical therapy may help.
If it gets really bad, you may need surgery.
