Q: What exactly is swimmer’s ear, and how can I protect my children?
A: Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection that occurs when moisture in the ear causes bacteria to breed. The ear canal become red, swollen, itchy, scaly and may ooze greenish or yellow fluid. To ward off swimmer’s ear, do the following:
Make sure your children don’t remove earswax—the ear’s natural defense against germs—with cotton swabs or fingers.
Don’t let kids swim in polluted water. When they do swim, make sure they wear tight swim caps or swimming ear plugs.
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing or showering.
Prevent bacteria growth in moist ears with an over-the-counter, alcohol-based ear drops. The pharmacist at your local Good Neighbor can help you choose an ear drop that is right for your children.
Q: I like to spend time on my sailboat during the summer. How do I prevent boating accidents?
A: Learn proper boating skills. Human error causes most accidents. Avoid alcohol as it contributes to one in five boating deaths, and always wear a life jacket. If you or someone with you nearly drowns, see a doctor right away. Brain damage and other neurological problems may have occurred.
Carbon monoxide from a boat’s engine, generator or space heater also poses a risk. Know the source of carbon monoxide on your boat and be sure they’re well-ventilated. Seek emergency help if you or someone with you has these signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Irritated eyes
Q: Is it OK to let my kids play outdoor sports in the summer? I’m worried about heat illness.
A: Yes! Heat illness in young adults is largely preventable. Remember these tips:
If your child is on a team or league, ask about emergency plans. Trained staff should be at all practices and games, and school or sports officials should be prepared to reschedule in extreme weather.
Discuss heat illness with your children. Be sure they know to drink and rest more when it’s warm and to speak up if they feel ill.
Make sure there are enough fluids available before, during and after workouts. Depending on age and weight, children need as much as one 8-ounce cup every 15 to 20 minutes.
Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms, including heavy sweating: dizziness and confusion; nausea; headache; and pale, moist skin. If you spot them, have your child stop exercising, sit or lie down and cool off with fluids and cold towels or ice bags. If symptoms don’t subside, get emergency help.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy July 2012
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