Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Preventing Swimmer's Ear



Preventing Swimmer's Ear


Reprinted by permission from American Swimming Magazine, published by ASCA


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You don’t have to be a swimmer to get swimmer’s ear. Athletes who frequently get water or perspiration in their ears are susceptible to the condition. Staying in a pool too long can reduce the acid level of the ear wax, which is there to help resist infections.


Swimmer’s ear (otitis extema) is actually one of several names that refer to an infection of the outer ear. It can be caused by a fungus, but is more commonly associated with bacteria that is brought into the ear with water. If the water then runs out, the ear and the bacteria dry up. But when some of the water remains trapped in the ear canal and the skin gets soggy, the bacteria are in a perfect environment to grow into a problem.



SYMPTOMS



The first symptoms are a feeling that the ear is blocked, muffled hearing, and an itch. Later, the canal can become swollen and painful, and a watery discharge accumulates in the area. If the ear gets to the point of being tender to the touch, it’s time to get to a doctor.



PREVENTION



There are several ways to prevent swimmer’s ear from ever occurring. Here is a summary of preventive methods:



Don’t swim in dirty water.

Wear earplugs while swimming.

After a swim, tilt and shake your head to allow the water to drain.

Dry your ears with a clean cloth after showering and with a hair dryer set at low speed, held about 12" from your ear.

Use one dropper of commercial eardrops, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar in your ear after swimming or showering. Wiggle your ear to let the solution get to the bottom, then let the fluid drain out. Drops should not be used by people with tubes in their ears or perforations in their eardrums.

Some experts suggest that you use a dropper of mineral oil, baby oil, or lanolin to create a protective coating before you exercise. Get advice from a physician or trainer before using this method.

If you wear a hearing aid, remove it frequently to allow your ear to dry.

Avoid excessive cleaning that removes all of the protective wax naturally present in the ear canal.

ROWDY RENTERS, "ANIMAL HOUSES" TOP CONCERNS IN BELMAR

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Survey cites summer woes

ROWDY RENTERS, "ANIMAL HOUSES" TOP CONCERNS IN BELMAR
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 08/2/07
BY ERIK LARSEN
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

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BELMAR — Group rentals, "animal houses" and other summer disturbances from tourists remain the top concerns of the influential Belmar Homeowners Association, which has released its third annual survey on quality of life in the borough.

Pet control, affordable housing and public education are the least of their worries, according to the survey, which was conducted between June 28 and July 10 and delivered to the Borough Council last week. About 70 residents, just over 1 percent of Belmar's population, participated.

While not a scientific poll, the seven-page document is touted as an educational resource for municipal leaders interested in what is on the minds of the borough's strongest advocates for a kinder, gentler Belmar.

The association is considered influential because in 2005, for the first time since Kenneth E. Pringle became mayor in 1990, a Republican was elected to the five-member Borough Council. The association credits that election result in part to its efforts to better inform the electorate, with such venues as its annual candidates forum, with questions submitted to the candidates beforehand. The association started hosting the forum about two years ago.

Pringle said some recommendations made in the latest survey, such as a 10 percent municipal sales tax on all liquor sold in bars and another 50 percent municipal sales tax on all cover charges, are outside the jurisdiction of municipal government in New Jersey.

Another recommendation proposes that a portion of revenue generated from beach badge fees be diverted to more police coverage and road repairs, but that idea is also prohibited under state law, Pringle said.

The association's survey also takes a jab at the Police Department, which the association contends has not done enough to rein in the wilder elements of Belmar's summer tourist scene.

"We've been complaining for years about group rentals," one comment reads. "Very happy that the administration is finally doing something about it. What took so long? What's different this year vs. the past? Could it be that new homes aren't selling and developers are getting cranky? Maybe because our police chief is running for sheriff and needs to say he's doing a great job in Belmar."

Police Chief Jack Hill is the Democratic nominee for Monmouth County sheriff in this November's election.

Hill replied Wednesday: "This particular year has not been the result of a sudden crackdown, but is the result of prolonged, consistent professional enforcement of all our codes/ordinances and synergy between the mayor and council, and the various departments of the borough on quality-of-life issues."

Tourists are also more educated than ever before as to what is allowed and not allowed in Belmar. Residents, too, get credit for their participation by calling in complaints, joining various community police programs and volunteer boards, Hill said.

"Their participation adds to our efforts and keep us focused," he said. "That being said, the job is far from over and through continued focus, the quality of life will continue to improve."

Other recommendations, comments and criticisms, all made anonymously, include:

"There are many huge rooming houses and quasi-hotels in Belmar, I don't think code enforcement is as focused on them as they are on smaller group rentals and even individual homes."

"Plans regarding the Seaport Redevelopment are a joke. They change every time a question is asked. How many times can the mayor talk about the progress he's making giving a different answer as to what we'll see?"

"We should plant tulip and other perennial bulbs in the median strips to make Belmar look more attractive."

"Ensure all the kids going to Belmar Elementary School are legal residents."

"Our municipal services are disappearing. Can't get a curb painted. Lots of work done by our public works department at direction of the administration to encourage the tourist to come to Belmar. The priorities are not in the right order."

Association President Doug Sweeny could not be reached for comment.

Councilman Matthew J. Doherty, a Democrat, said it is the association — a group he considers a front for the local Republican Party — whose priorities are not in the right order.

Doherty said the survey never addresses the needs of Belmar's senior citizen population, while it ranks education and recreation among its issues of least concern, after pet control.

"I believe most residents care about keeping property taxes in check, maintaining quality education and recreation for our children, expanding services for our senior population and moving redevelopment forward," Doherty said. "The BHA survey seems to draw unscientific conclusions from a very small, homogenous group of residents that offers little guidance to the mayor and council."

Catering your party at the Jersey Shore

Award-winning cuisine at your place or or oceanfront deck at Matisse. If your group can’t come to Matisse, but you want to enjoy the taste of wonderful fresh seafood Steak,or chops without slaving away in the kitchen, we can make that happen. Do you want to just stop in and pick up food for your event? We can do that! Want to have food delivered to your event? We can do that! Want someone to come in and set up, run, and clean up your event? We can do that, too! Just say the word and we’ll be there – complete with all the gourmet touches.
From casual family functions, to office meetings, to summer barbeques or elegant private functions, our experienced team of catering professionals can cater your event with sensitivity and assurance. Your board room. Your office. Your home dining room. You pick the place. We love working in any and all venues.
At Matisse Restaurant Ocean Ave. Belmar, we offer complete catering services to help you create the most memorable occasion. We offer extensive menu selections and will customize the menu to fit your catering needs. In addition, a professional and acclaimed culinary team is available to assist you with every detail: menu planning, party rentals, flower arranging, decor, full service food and beverages, freshly baked pastries and desserts. For groups 10 to 500, your place of choice. Our goal: To make your event a truly festive occasion.
You can order our Simply Fresh Party Platters Menu for your home or office. We're now providing the tastiest party platters, big salads deserts for your next party. Our menu includes everything from big party trays of salmon canapés, fresh seafood salads, Matisse’s white chocolate mousse cake. And a bunch more.
We look forward to serving you and ensuring that your next event is the absolute best it can be.
We have catered many parties this summer at the shore, and look forward to helping make you the star party of the summer

Last week Matisse catered a house party of 24 people featuring a New England
Lobster and Clam Bake, complete setup of all food and cleanup, be a geust at your next party instead of slaving away in the kitchen

call Mary at Matisse phone 732-681-7680

Belmar native Terry Magovern

A lovely tribute from Backstreets.com:

"It is with great sadness that we report that longtime Springsteen associate and close friend Terry Magovern, 67, passed away in his sleep on Monday night. For the last 20 years, Magovern could be seen regularly at Springsteen's side. An imposing figure, seemingly the walking embodiment of "You better be good for goodness sake" wherever he accompanied Springsteen, Magovern had a kind and gracious nature, one pleasantly at odds with his professional image. Magovern began working for Springsteen in 1987, but the two had already known each other for decades by that point. They met at the Upstage in Asbury Park in the late '60s; "Right from the first time I heard [Bruce] play," Magovern told journalist Robert Santelli, "I believed in him and his music." In 1971, as manager of the Captain's Garter in Neptune, Magovern hired the Bruce Springsteen Band to play.

In the years that followed, Magovern managed a number of Shore clubs, including Clarence Clemons' Big Man's West in Red Bank. By the time he went on the road with Springsteen for the Tunnel of Love Express Tour in 1988, he had a wealth of experience in the music business. He has been an intergral part of Springsteen's work life ever since.

It would be hard to overestimate the impact Magovern's loss will have on those with whom he worked, just as it's hard to pin down what his job actually was. Magovern was "Road Manager" on the Tom Joad tour, "Personal Assistant" on the Rising tour... but just as often his official role was no more (and no less) than being himself, as in the multiple tourbooks that list the credit, "Terry Magovern: Terry Magovern." Personal aide, liaison, researcher, reconnaissance man, right-hand man, right arm... Magovern played a larger role than we can probably know in helping Springsteen navigate the demands of his profession and get his music to the masses. And he touched many other lives along the way. Our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved him.

Magovern's death follows that of his fiance, Joan Dancy, from ALS in 2005; after Dancy passed away, Magovern established an organization in her honor to help others who suffer from ALS. Donations, in lieu of flowers, will help that group's continuing work: The Joan Dancy & PALS Support Group, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

Watch for a tribute in Backstreets #87.
-August 1, 2007"

R.E.M. w/ Bruce Springsteen - Man on the Moon

for terry