Green Options

Swimming in pools treated with chlorine can increase kids’ asthma risk according to a recent study published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Belgium researchers also found that kids who swam in indoor and outdoor chlorine-treated pools had a higher risk of other allergies including hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

The study compared chlorine pools with a healthier and more eco-friendly option, pools sanitized with copper and silver. Researchers suggest that the chlorine causes changes in the airway, promoting the development of allergic diseases. While more research is still needed, 20% of Olympic swimmers have asthma. Interesting, right?

Here in the great Northwest, we have a plethora of outdoor adventure options available at little or no cost to us (often only the cost of transportation and/or a day use fee of $3.00-$5.00). Our family just returned from a week at the lake where I not only enjoyed several hikes, but I also swam the lake (one mile each way) and kayaked. These energy intensive activities left me feeling revived, energized and just a wee bit hungry! Here is a variation of the fabulous high energy Logan bar recipe to enjoy on your next day (or week) hiking adventure.

HSBC Bank, in an effort to raise awareness of global warming, has inserted an aerial image of a cityscape at the bottom of a swimming pool. The global warming swimming pool certainly would give swimmers a different perspective on the problem, although I doubt we will be leisurely swimming above submerged cities if it comes to that.

Via:  Neatorama