Swimming is a great activity, and it is a great way to stay cool during summer. But, there are a few health mistakes that many people make when they are in the water that could have detrimental impacts on their health. In this article, we’ll look at some common health blunders individuals make when swimming and ways to avoid these.
Not Showering Before Swimming
One of the most severe health blunders people commit is not showering before entering the pool. Showering before going into the pool will help eliminate any sweat, oils, and dirt from your body, which could cause contamination of the water. This could lead to the growth of harmful viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens, which can trigger illnesses like diarrhea, skin rashes, and respiratory infections. So, washing your face before going into the swimming pool is essential.
Swallowing Pool Water
Another standard health error familiar to people is swallowing water from the pool. This is a risky mistake because the water in the collection is contaminated with chemicals such as chlorine, which are used to eliminate pathogens and bacteria. Drinking pool water containing chlorine could cause health issues like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and respiratory problems in a few instances. To prevent this, you must keep your mouth shut when swimming and be careful not to swallow pool water.
Not Wearing Sunscreen
Swimming is an outdoor sport, and time spent in the sun could result in the sun’s rays burning your skin, causing cancer of the pores and premature aging of the skin. It is, therefore, essential to apply sunscreen before a swim. A waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is the best choice for swimming. Applying it 15 to 30 minutes before getting into the pool is recommended. It should be used at least every 2 hours or as soon after exiting the pool.
Not Staying Hydrated
Swimming is a fantastic exercise but may cause dehydration, as with any other activity. It is common for people not to drink plenty of water when swimming, leading to dehydration and other health problems. Drinking plenty of fluids before or after swimming is vital to remain well-hydrated. This helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and ensures you are healthy and well-rested.
Not Taking Breaks
Swimming can be a strenuous exercise; many people take their time and do not stop for breaks. Excessing can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, or even injury. It is, therefore, essential to break between each lap and avoid swimming for long periods. The breaks you take will help you regain your breath, replenish your water, and prevent injuries.
Sharing Towels
Sharing towels is a standard error that people make when swimming. Towels may harbor bacteria and other pathogens that could cause skin infections and other health problems. So, it’s crucial to keep your towel for swimming and refrain from sharing it with other swimmers.
Ignoring Signs of Illness
If you are suffering from any indications of illness, including diarrhea or fever, or a cough, it’s crucial to avoid swimming until you have recovered completely. Being sick while swimming could transmit germs and cause contamination of the swimming pool’s water. This can result in illness among other swimmers. Maintaining your health and staying away from swimming when you aren’t well is vital.
Not Showering After Swimming
Like showering before swimming is crucial, and after swimming, showering afterward is just as important. I was showering after swimming assists in removing all chlorine, salt, or other chemical residues from the skin. These chemicals could irritate the skin and cause other health issues. It also prevents transmitting bacteria and germs, which could cause illness.
The bottom line is that ensuring we are healthy when swimming is crucial to reap all the advantages of this fantastic sport and exercise.
