The year 2024 was called a year of diseases, there was a surge in almost all kinds of diseases. Right now, it is the spread of virus, especially due to the extreme cold weather. However, as the new year passes, we will soon be witnessing the temperatures rising, and would want to go out, jump in the pool. But is it really safe?

Read for Why Swimming In Still Water Isn't Safe For You?

Swimming in a pool which has been kept stagnant over the winters is of course not the best decision. This is because when water is still, it can become contaminated in less than 24 hours. So, if it is kept stagnant over the winters, chances are that it will be a breeding ground for many bacteria. This happens due to the bacterial biofilms. These get attached to the surface and form a sludge slime-type construct which then protects itself and also harbors more bacteria. Once released, they form even more biofilms.

This is not just in the case of swimming pools, but also ponds. If you are wondering whether ponds are safer, since they are mostly a natural water body, the answer is no. This is because almost all ponds have stagnant water. Whether in pool or in ponds, you can still catch diseases. Here are the 4 diseases you can catch:

Sauna Rash

In the winter season, some also opt for heated pools. It is also helpful for a post stressful days. However, there are germs there too, which can react with your skin and cause a rash. These are also known as hot-tub rash. This happens because germs are even more active when they are exposed to high-temperature water. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heated pool that tests positive for Pseudomonas aeruginoa, must be treated immediately, as they spread infection. As per a 2016 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, "Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounts for many episodes of infections associated with attendance at swimming pools."

Swimmer's Ear

When we swim, it is very common to have water enter your ear and nasal cavity. While it is temporary, if the water remains trapped in the passageway, it can allow bacteria or fungi to grow. It can also cause swelling, pain, and terrible itching in the ears.

Diarrhea

Yes, you read that right. You can catch diarrhea in pool. This is because the germs that cause cholera and diarrhea are also found in the pools or ponds when it is not cleaned. When you swim, you may swallow some amount of that water, even if it is a small amount, it can still lead to infections from germs like E.coli, Shigella, cryptosporidium norovirus, etc.

Respiratory Diseases

We already have many respiratory diseases going on, including common cold, flu, HMPV, RSV and more. If you are in the pool, which has been stagnant, then you may catch germs like bacterium Legionella.

There are certain contamination that are prone to pond, which include:

Human or animal waste, which can lead to E.coli. While this can happen even in pools, but ponds are prone to biological waste, as they are in the open area and not usually regulated.

Microscopic Parasites are common in pools, and they have a life cycle that transfers between snails, waterfowl, and other mammals that live around water.

Algae and microcystin also occur in ponds which have excess nutrients, which feed microscopic planktonic algae cells. While some of the algae are harmless, others can produce toxin called microcystin.

Knowing about several conditions and diseases may not seem like a feasible thing to do for many people, but knowledge does come with power. Knowing signs and symptoms of certain diseases can help you tackle them early on. While many people know what insomnia, vertigo etc. are, only a quarter of them are aware of these particular diseases which is responsible for two of the most common issues, malnutrition and pneumonia.

Dysphagia, which is a condition that makes it difficult to swallow, is much more common than you may think. Published in the Dysphagia journal, this study wanted to see how much people really know about dysphagia compared to other health issues. They found that even though lots of folks struggle with swallowing problems, they don’t know the name of the problem or what it causes. The study showed that 99% of the participants knew about insomnia, 87% knew about Vertigo, but only 25% knew about dysphagia

This lack of knowledge is a big deal because it means people might not get the help they need.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a scientific term used for trouble swallowing. The Cleveland Clinic explains that it happens when something goes wrong with the muscles or nerves you use to move food and drinks from your mouth to your stomach. Sometimes, it's a problem with the shape of your throat or esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. When you can't swallow properly, food can go down the wrong way, into your lungs. This can cause a serious lung infection called pneumonia. Cleveland clinic explains that it increases the risk of pneumonia because it can lead to aspiration, where food, liquid, or saliva enters the lungs instead of the digestive tract, causing infection and inflammation.

The Frontiers in Neurology 2022 study found that people who had dysphagia after a stroke were 10 times more likely to get pneumonia. Dysphagia also causes malnutrition as it makes it harder to consume enough food and fluids, potentially leading to reduced appetite, fear of eating, and a decreased enjoyment of meals, ultimately impacting nutritional intake.

Is This A New Issue?

To double-check what people said in the survey, the researchers looked at the records of millions of patients in hospitals. They found that dysphagia was written down in many more records than vertigo. Insomnia was the most common problem, but dysphagia was still a big issue. This means that a lot of people go to the doctor because they’re having trouble swallowing. The records back up the survey: lots of people have dysphagia. It's important to know about this problem because it affects many lives.

Is Dysphagia A Symptom or A Condition

The Cleveland Clinic explains that dysphagia a symptom of various health issues. These problems might involve your brain and nerves, your muscles, or something physically blocking your throat. To help with swallowing difficulties, doctors may prescribe medicine, suggest changes to how you eat, or perform certain procedures.

Why Should More People Know About This?

The researchers who did this study hope that more people will learn about dysphagia. They want doctors and nurses to know more about it, too. They think that if we talk about it more, people who have trouble swallowing will get help sooner. They want more money to be spent on research to find better ways to treat it. Furthermore, they want everyone to have access to good healthcare, so no one has to suffer because they can’t swallow properly. It’s important to spread the word so people get the help they need

We have all heard about the benefits of using sunscreens, but how many of us actually follow it through? Especially among the men, there is a conventional belief that anything on their skin is not manly enough. But, what if I tell you that even someone as strong as John Cena recommends everyone to wear sunscreen? Would you still choose to not use it?

John Cena, actor and the WWE star has recently opened up about a past skin cancer diagnosis in an effort to bring attention to the important of wearing sunscreen. He told People that he grew up in Massachusetts in the 1970s and 80s, and "never" wore sunscreen. It was later in life when he moved to Florida, and there he "fell in love with the sun", but "neglected" to protect his skin and use sunscreen.

“I was stubborn. I didn’t want to have a routine and I also thought the problem would never reach me. And it’s one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection and it caught up with me,” said Cena.

How Did The Diagnose Happen?

It was during one of his routine check-ups that made Cena to re-think to use sunscreen. “It wasn’t until I went to a dermatologist and got a skin checkup and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec,” he said.

Cena is now also the face of a sunscreen brand with SPF 70. He revealed that he was "very lucky" to have a good dermatologist who help him face his fear around his diagnosis.

After the removal of first cancerous spot on Cena's chest, there was another. "A year later, I went back and had another spot removed close to my right shoulder. It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder. If you watch WWE, you’ll be able to see them," he said.

It was a shock to him, because he never saw being diagnosed with skin cancer coming. "Mind always goes to the worst case scenario," he said. However, it was the diagnosis that allow him to understand the importance of sunscreen that protects one's skin from sun's rays.

“I’m at a great space in my life where that’s now important to me. And I’m so grateful to be able to dodge those two bullets, but I wear them as a reminder of, ‘Hey man, you need to take the extra few seconds to protect yourself every day,’” he said.

ALSO READ: Does Sunscreen Block Your Body's Natural Vitamin D Production?

At What Time Of The Day Should You Apply Sunscreen?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, wearing sunscreen is the easiest and the best ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age. It recommends to use it regularly to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.

While everyone needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and the immune system.

To protect, apply 1 ounce of sunscreen throughout your body. To protect your face and neck, you will need about half a teaspoon of sunscreen.

Experts also believe that as long as the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant, it does not matter what order you apply your skin care products. While some people find it is easiest to work with bare skin, some do it at the end.

"If you’re out there and you brush your teeth, at a young age you learned that going to the dentist when your teeth are in bad shape is bad because it’s painful. The same thing will happen if you don’t take care of your skin, and it’s actually easier than brushing your teeth. Because it’s not something you should exercise to just make you look more beautiful,” Cena said.

“It’s something you should exercise to allow you to be who you are for a longer period of time.”

Just as your habits say a lot about you, the way you sleep also shows a part of you. Everyone has their own way of sleeping, whether it is sleeping on their belly, or being in the habit of needing space when they sleep etc. However, there's a less common position that's been named after a dinosaur: the "T-rex." Imagine a T-rex with its tiny arms pulled close to its chest; that's the position we're talking about. People who sleep this way bend their wrists and bring their hands near their body. It might look a little funny, but for them, it's the most comfortable way to fall asleep and stay asleep all night long.

Why the T-Rex Position Feels Comfortable

Experts also believe that when you bend your wrists and bring them close, you're actually relaxing some of the muscles in your arms and hands. Think of it like a gentle hug for your own body. When your arms are straight, those muscles are a little tense. However, when you bend them, they relax, which can feel really good, especially when you're trying to fall asleep. While there is no substantial evidence of how the T-rex position affects your behavior, a similar sleeping position, which is the fetal position, is said to be comforting with arms and feet drawn close to chest like a fetus in the womb. The Sleep Foundation tells that over 60% of adults sleep in this position. It was also hypothesized that people who sleep this way are more anxious and emotional.

Does The T-Rex Position Have Any Downsides?

Sleeping with your wrists bent all night can cause problems. Mayo Clinic explains that your wrists have nerves, arteries, and tendons running through them, and when you bend them for too long, you put pressure on these delicate structures. This pressure can lead to aches and pains in your wrists and even your elbows. You might also feel numbness or tingling in your hands. If you keep sleeping this way night after night, you could develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, which are painful and can make it hard to use your hands. So, while it's comfy, it's important to be aware of the potential issues.

Managing the T-Rex Sleeping Habit

Completely eliminating a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. Instead, focus on mitigating the potential problems. Here are some strategies as per WebMD

Sleep Aids

Using a body pillow can provide a sense of security and reduce the need to tuck your arms tightly. Weighted blankets can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially lessening the urge for the T-rex position.

Stress Management

Practicing meditation and deep breathing techniques can help manage stress and reduce the likelihood of reverting to the T-rex position. Taking a few minutes to relax and breathe deeply before bed can make a big difference. These practices can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night.

Stretching

Regularly stretching your wrists and arms in the opposite direction of the bent position each morning can help alleviate pain and numbness. Simple stretches, like rotating your wrists or extending your arms, can help improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. Doing these stretches regularly can prevent long-term problems and keep your wrists healthy and strong.