HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 November 1941, Page 8

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

CARE OF THE EARS WHILE SWIMMING. (Prepared and issued by the Health Department.) It will soon be warm enough to start swimming again, we hope. Swimming is a first-class pastime from _ every point of view, and is most enjoyable and healthful— particularly, of course, for those who can swim. But there are certain little precautions that one must take when in the water, apait fiom trying to swallow as little as possible. One of the most important concerns the ears. ~ J , It is for instance, possible to- get ear trouble simply by jumping from a height feet first into the water. And serious results might follow a swim if you have a cold in the head. Protection for the ears by rubber caps during swimming and diving will prevent ear trouble in the sensitive part known as the middle ear, which is behind the outer ear drum. In this chamber are three tiny bones of healing, held in place by some of the most delicate of all muscles. From, the middle ear chamber a narrow tube leads to the side of the throat, and through this tube, known as the eustachian tube, air passes. This air ensures that the pressure inside the ear is equal to that > outside. That is why it is wise to keep the mouth open during a loud noise like an explosion, or heavy gun fire. This middle ear is extremely delicate, and its structure can easily be .damaged. . , . Whenever the nose is under water, ' the breath should be continuously and gently expelled through the nose to keep the nasal passages free of water. ; This takes practice, but all good swimmers do it. . u In spite of proper breathing habits, I however, some water is bound to get into the throat and nose. To keep this water which may be contaminated, out of the tubes leading to the ears, snuff the water to the back of the throat, and spit it out. Don’t blow the nose. And on no account hold the nose and “blow the ears” in an attempt to force water from the outside ear canal after swimming.