What about those pool rules? What is the rationale for a "warm" shower before entering and after leaving the pool?
That vast amount of chlorine in the pool is there to oxidize harmful bacteria and germs. That would be E-coli. When chlorine mixes with our body's organic matter it can create a more toxic agent. So a shower can reduce that - it removes sweat, lotions, sunscreen, bacteria and organic matter. Here is what we bring into a pool - is this with or without a shower?
And on exiting the pool? Showering after swimming - the microorganisms that chlorine is attacking are in the water and they can create problems for us - skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. And if you swallow some water, diarrhea could also be a problem. So showering after being in the pool is another protection against bacteria.
So the diaper policy at the YMCA pool seems most relevant now. Snugly fitted please. That could apply to the older swimmers in aquafit as well as the little babies in the toddler end of the pool.
And our pictures today? One of America's most famous swimming pools - San Simeon - the Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo, California.
There's a book with the title The Germ Code and the same author has written The Germ Files. Jason Tetro is a microbiologist.
The Germ Code's Amazon Intro:
Since the dawn of the human race, germs have been making us sick. Whether the ailment is a cold, the flu, diabetes, obesity or certain cancers, the likely cause is germs. Our ancient enemies have four families - bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa - and many names: Ebola, E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, gonorrhea. Human beings are engaged in a "war on germs," in which we develop ever-more sophisticated weapons and defensive strategies. But it is a war we can never win. Our best plan for staying as healthy is to choose our battles carefully, and try to co-exist with germs as best we can.
In comparison, The Germ Files will answer your questions about everything from preventing flu to selecting probiotics, while constantly surprising you with revelations about the miraculous workings of the microscopic world.
Here's some of the everyday advice we can take from him in an article HERE.
Towels: It depends on the room. Bath towels become loaded with bacteria (including staph and fecal) and if your towel doesn’t fully dry, that bacteria can grow. Plus, dandruff-causing fungi can also grow in them, Rapinchuk recommends swapping out bath towels every other day. Your kitchen towels collect bacteria every time you handle food and wash your hands. Tetro recommends washing those weekly, unless you handled raw meat. In that case, wash the towel immediately.
Doorknobs: Once a week (in some rooms). Though doorknobs accumulate a lot of bacteria, they need only need to be washed infrequently, says Rapinchuk. However, doorknobs in the bathroom and the kitchen are bound to catch a lot more bacteria, so disinfecting them at least once a week might be a good idea, especially if there’s an illness in the house.
Sinks: Every day. Even if they look clean, sinks can get really gross — Tetro says the bathroom sink accumulates fecal matter (from washing your hands after you use the bathroom). Also, bacteria from food, like E.Coli and Salmonella, can contaminate the kitchen sink, especially if you’ve been handling raw meat. When water splashes back up onto your hands, they’re contaminated, too. To stay on the safe side, wipe down your sinks daily.
Today's picture comes from Fine Art America, where I have a gallery. It was taken at Salt Spring Island, where sand and stone meet at the beach to create an abstract image.