As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.
12 When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and went back to the table. He asked, “Do you understand what I did for you?
13 You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am.
14 I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet.
5 I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you.
34 “I give you a new command: Love each other.
You must love each other just as I loved you.
35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”
photo and quote from Lightstock.com, site for stock photos, graphics and videos
In 16th century England, William Shakespeare wrote plays and poetry that are still considered some of the greatest literature in the English language.
His writings explored human emotions from love to hate, and every feeling between. Some were tragedies, some were comedies, and they touch our lives now as much as they did for people 400 years ago.
Much of Shakespeare’s personal life, including his medical history, remains unknown. Even the dates of his birth and death are in question; as close as we know he was born in 1564 and died at age 52 years. The cause is not known.
He and his wife Anne Hathaway married young and had 3 children- a girl, followed by twins, boy and girl. Their son died at age 11, cause unknown.
The older daughter Susanna married a physician Dr. John Hall.
In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.
You’ve probably heard the advice “Don’t drink the water” when you travel to less developed areas of the world. But water can make you sick even without drinking it.
Illness from Contact with Water
Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms can be transmitted by swimming and other water-related sports
in private and public pools
recreational freshwater and oceans
hot tubs, splash pads, water parks
decorative fountains
Drinking, inhaling, and direct contact with water contaminated with a variety of bugs can cause a wide range of illnesses, most of which are preventable. Here is an overview of common conditions to watch out for.
Drowning
The most serious risk of water is drowning or near-drowning, with 3,300 deaths and another 5,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.
Children are especially at risk of drowning. Teaching children to swim as early as practical and supervising them around pools and other bodies of water are critical to prevention.
Talk to your doctor if you have bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than a week, or a cough with fever. See your doctor right away if you have more serious symptoms, such as fever and a stiff neck after swimming in a freshwater pond, or a bad skin infection with fever. Be sure to tell your doctor that you’ve been in the water.
Sharks very rarely attack people. Common sense can protect you from most shark attacks. Do not go into the water if sharks have been reported in your area. Do not surf if you are bleeding or have open cuts. If you see a shark, get out of the water. Do not try to touch the shark. Get help right away if you think you have been bitten.
To avoid ciguatera poisoning, don’t eat the fish that often carry the ciguatera toxin. This includes amberjack, grouper, snapper, sturgeon, king mackerel, barracuda, and moray eel.
My husband and I are enjoying the beach on our last day in Zanzibar
Exploring the HEART of Summer Health
I took all of the photos in this post except the cover photo. It and another one are from Lightstock, credited in the caption.
I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 