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The easy test you should do before diving into a public pool
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The CDC is warning that public pools and water parks can be teeming with bacteria that can make your family sick. But there's an easy test you can perform before everyone dives in to help determine if the water is safe. - photo by Jennifer Graham
For many families, summer means water in pools, water parks and maybe even a hotel hot tub. But before you dive in, consider the many ways H2O in public places can make you sick.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people than ever are getting ill after swimming in public pools and water parks. Jeff Rossen, an investigative correspondent for NBC News and the "Today" show, collected water samples and had them analyzed to see if theyre right.

A sample Rossen drew from one public pool contained enterococci the scientific euphemism for fecal matter.

And one collected from a water park contained enterococci, plus E. coli and total coliform. Although naturally occurring in the human intestinal tract, the stuff is nasty enough that if its found in your water supply, youre supposed to boil the water.

All three comprise to form the perfect cocktail to make you sick, Rossen reported on "Today."

Rossen interviewed Dr. Robert Glatter, an ER physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, who explained how water that looks so clean can be so contaminated.

It means that someone basically went to the bathroom and didnt clean themselves properly, or actually went to the bathroom in the pool, Glatter said.

And what about the chlorine thats supposed to sanitize the water?

It cleans some of it, but not all of it. Actually, the heat in the pool allows the bacteria to thrive, Glatter told the "Today" audience.

Too much chlorine carries risks. At one pool Rossen had tested, the chlorine content was sky high." On a scale of 1-10, it measured 10. Three, Rossen said, is ideal.

Excess chlorine can cause breathing problems and even chemical burns for children with sensitive skin, he said.

The reason for that is equally gross, the CDC says. Chlorine binds to the body waste of swimmers (not just urine, but sweat), and forms chemicals called chloramines. Chloramines can irritate our skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and were not even safe from them sitting in a lounge chair poolside. They build up not only in water, but also in the air if the pool area is not properly vented, the CDC says.

All that said, the CDC doesnt want us to stay out of the water. It notes that swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the U.S., and that swimmers have half the risk of death of sedentary people.

But health officials suggest that we buy chlorine test strips and test the water before plunging in at a public place. You can buy a box of 50 for less than $15 online.

The pH should be 7.2-7.8 in pools and hot tubs; the chlorine concentration at least 3 parts per million in hot tubs and 1 ppm in pools; and the bromine concentration at least 4 ppm in hot tubs and at least 3 ppm in pools.

Also, parents should check the pools inspection report, which should be publicly posted.

Never enter a pool or hot tub, or allow your child to, with an open wound not covered with a waterproof bandage. Shower before you get in, and be careful not to swallow any water.

And when you get out, gently towel-dry your ears, and tilt your head to let any remaining water drain out, or use a hair dryer on its lowest setting to help get the water out. Painful swimmers ear can occur when contaminated water lingers.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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