Did you know that despite a greater understanding today of what causes skin cancer, Melanoma rates have actually tripled over the past 35 years? Among other forms of skin protection, using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is an important factor in protecting your skin from this deadly form of cancer (see Parts 1, […]
Health
Pool Choices and Trends: What You Should Know About Salt-Water Pools
What’s all the buzz about salt-water pools? An increasing number of homeowners are opting for this non-traditional type of pool. Of course, many love that they use salt rather than chlorine to sanitize the water. But before you jump in and make a commitment to having a salt-water pool installed, you want to make sure […]
3 Things You’re (Probably) Paying for That Aren’t as Much Fun as Your Own Pool
Maybe you don’t think you can afford an in-ground swimming pool. Yes, it is a luxury item. But most Americans don’t live at a survival level; for most of us, “being able to afford” something is often simply a matter of which luxury items we choose and how carefully we allocate the money we do […]
Family Pool Time: Water Activities for All Ages
Pools are excellent choices for multi-generational families, allowing those of all ages to experience the many health benefits related to an active lifestyle and outdoor recreation. In fact, an in-ground swimming pool might just offer the most versatile combination of playground, gym, and outdoor living potential per square foot, compared to any other change you […]
Why Sleep Is Important for Young Athletes
Do you know what probably affects young athletes even more than their diet and the quality of their instruction and practice? Sleep. It’s simple, but its significance simply can’t be overstated. And forget about 8 hours: according to the National Sleep Foundation, most children actually require between 9 and 14 hours per 24-hour period, depending […]
4 Ways Young Athletes Can Improve Sleep Quality
For young athletes, sleep is extremely important. We’ve talked about that before. But now we’re going to get really practical and give you four steps that you can apply personally toward healthier sleep. While keeping bed times and wake times regular are certainly part of the equation, they’re definitely not the entire picture. Know Your […]
How a Hot Tub in Your Backyard Can Improve Your Life
A hot tub, which is frequently regarded as a luxury item, can help you achieve whatever it is you want more of in your life, whether it be improved physical or emotional health, time outside, or social interaction. Regardless of your primary driving force, consider purchasing a hot tub as an investment in your healthy […]
Pool Owner’s Guide to Recreational Water Illnesses, Part 4
While there are many wonderful health benefits to swimming — including cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, emotional and joint health — you may not realize that there are also a few potential health-related problems associated with it. A variety of RWIs, or Recreational Water Illnesses, can be caused by germs found in water, improper chemical levels, or […]
Keeping Germs at Bay in Your Child Care Center, Part 2
If you’re not careful, your child care center can easily become a place where contagious illnesses thrive. As important as policies for exclusion may be, the most significant factor in preventing the spread of common childhood illnesses is actually proper hygiene. Unfortunately, many illnesses become contagious while they’re still asymptomatic (lacking visible symptoms). So no […]
Keeping Germs at Bay in Your Child Care Center, Part 1
When flu season rolls around, it’s easy to resign yourself to the idea that a barrage of illnesses will be making its way through your child care center throughout the winter months. If it seems to you that kids are more likely than adults to get sick, your instincts are right! As children’s bodies build […]
Foot Health for Dancers: What the Experts Say, Part 2
In Part 1, we considered the perspectives of two professional therapists who work exclusively with dancers. Now we’ll look at several foot facts that should play into any dancer’s decision to use a foot stretcher — and warnings for those who do. Each Dancer’s Foot Is Unique. Because each dancer and each foot is unique, […]
Foot Health for Dancers: What the Experts Say, Part 1
Like many issues, that of foot stretchers conjures a wide spectrum of opinions. However, many experts agree that these devices can be used safely by some dancers, as long as caution is exercised. Want a little more detail on the pros and cons of foot stretchers? We’ll summarize a couple expert opinions for you, and […]
The Science Behind Swimming & Body Cooling
Swimming is a universal pastime, particularly favored in the hot summer months. Not only does it offer a pleasant reprieve from the heat, but it also provides significant cooling effects to our bodies. However, a frequently asked question I hear is why exactly does swimming cool your body off? What’s the science behind this? Let’s […]
Pool Health Tips: Aquatic Workouts, Part 1
Outdoor swimming pools are multi-functional additions with opportunities for mental and physical health benefits. While simply gazing at water can reduce blood pressure and inspire inner peace, the most significant health benefits can be experienced due to physically getting into the pool and treating it as a pool gym. While this still takes some personal […]
Pool Health Tips: Aquatic Workouts, Part 2
Your private pool gym offers so much potential in the way of health benefits! While any pool can give you the same kind of workout, your own backyard oasis offers unique opportunities for private, convenient aquatic workouts with the added bonus of delighting in the serene ambiance you’ve worked so hard to create in your […]