Myth: Red eyes are caused by chlorine
Nope, it’s not the chlorine – we wish it was! You can blame your stinging eyes on people peeing in the pool. Yes, really. Red eyes and a strong smell of chlorine are a total giveaway that the pool you’re swimming in is contaminated with urine (or worse), according to US scientists. When a kid pees in the water, bacteria such as cryptosporidium, norovirus and E. coli are released, and even chlorine can’t kill the germs fast enough. And it’s not just your eyes at risk when someone pees in the pool. Water-borne germs can cause coughing and runny noses, as well as skin, ear and lung infections. Rest assured that the chlorine does eradicate most of the germs – but always try to avoid swallowing the water!
Myth: You should never swim after eating
Remember the torture of waiting an hour after lunch to resume races in the pool? Mum said swimming with a full tummy would give you cramps so bad, you’d sink like a stone to the bottom. And it turns out she was half right. Yes, after eating, your body diverts blood flow from your muscles to your stomach, where food is being digested, but not to the extent where your arms and legs are likely to cramp up so badly that you’re at greater risk of drowning. See, told you so, Mum!
Myth: You can’t get burnt in the shade
OK, staying in the shade when you’re outdoors is safer than being in the blazing sun. But if you’ve ever been sunburnt while sitting under a beach umbrella, you’ll know that shade doesn’t always deliver enough protection on its own. That’s because UV rays can bounce off water, sand, grass and other surfaces to get to your skin. For the best protection, the Cancer Society of New Zealand recommends SPF30 or SPF50 sunscreen, plus sun-protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Myth: Air conditioning causes colds
Brrr, there’s actually some truth to this – but only if the thermostat is set to freezing. It’s not the air-conditioning as such, but the dramatic effect it has on your body temperature when you come in from the summer heat. Extreme temperature variations can play havoc with your immune system, making you more likely to come down with a cold virus – especially if you find air-conditioning often makes your nose and throat really dry. To stay well this summer, avoid going from soaring heat into a sub-20°C room, where any sweat on your skin will rapidly cool, making your body temperature drop. And keep your air-conditioner at a comfortable 20-24°C.
Myth: Seawater helps heal wounds
This myth comes from doctors using a sterile saline (salt water) solution to clean wounds, but that’s very different to seawater, which is brimming with bacteria and pollutants.
If on holiday, warm, tropical water near a coral reef is ground zero for water-loving bacteria, including the flesh-eating kind! While it’s unlikely you’ll pick up this bug, you may emerge with a minor infection that makes an existing cut slow to heal. The risk is also greater near fisheries, farms and after heavy rain. So always cover any open wounds with a waterproof bandage before you go swimming.
