Page 34 - World of Irish Nursing April 2018
P. 34
UPDATE 57
Public health risk linked to sea bathing
Sea swimmers at risk of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea
PeoPle who swim in the sea or take part lution is still an issue affecting swimmers is still being polluted from sources like
in water sports are at risk of experiencing in some of the world’s richest countries,” industrial waste, sewage and farmland
gastrointestinal disorders such as diar- she added. run-off.
rhoea, and also ear aches, according to This large-scale project reviewed 6,000 The researchers hope that this review
new research that examined the current studies and refined these down to 19 key will lead to further efforts to clean up our
evidence in this area. The research looked studies for inclusion in a meta-analysis. coastlines. In addition, they say that more
at sea bathing in high-income countries It is the first systematic review of the research is needed on the micro-organ-
and the possible associated public health evidence on whether spending time in the isms responsible for infections.
risks. sea is associated with an increased risk of While sea swimming has many benefits,
The results showed that swimming in infections. the research team said that it is important
the sea increased the odds of reporting The study focused on high income that people are aware of the risks in mak-
ear ache by 77% and for gastrointestinal countries including the UK, US, Australia, ing a decision to go into the sea. Although
illnesses and diarrhoea by 29%. New Zealand, Denmark and Norway. people recover from infections, some can
“our paper shows that spending time Interestingly, the study found no differ- prove more serious for vulnerable people
in the sea does increase the probability of ence in terms of picking up an infection such as the elderly or very young people
developing illnesses such as ear ailments between those who put their heads under with pre-existing health conditions.
and problems involving the digestive sys- the water and those who don’t. The paper ‘Is it safe to go back in the
tem such as stomach ache and diarrhoea,” The researchers at the University of water?’ was recently published in the
said Dr Anne leonard, University of exeter exeter concluded that despite significant International Journal of Epidemiology. It
Medical School. investment to improve water quality in was funded by the european Regional
“We think that this indicates that pol- the sea, the water in developed countries Development Fund.
INMO’s Richmond nominated for conservation award
The INMo’s restoration and redevelop- The Richmond project involved the attention to the historic nature of the
ment of The former Richmond hospital complete refurbishment of the former building.
building was shortlisted as a finalist in the Richmond hospital building to form a The INMo project, which is now the
Irish Construction excellence (ICe) Awards. new teaching, training and event hosting Richmond education and event Centre,
Nominated under the ‘Public or herit- facility for the INMo. faced stiff competition with The National
age Building/Conservation or Restoration’ The building is a protected structure, Gallery, the GPo Witness history and
category, the ICe Awards are the premier constructed in the 1890s, that previously Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny all nom-
recognition and performance excellence accommodated a hospital and a courts inated in the same category. Nonetheless,
for the contracting sector in Ireland. service. being a finalist among such company was WIN Vol 26 No 3 April 2018
Townlink Construction submitted the The contractors had to ensure that an achievement in itself.
application on behalf of the work carried all works undertaken within the build- The winner was due to be announced as
out at The Richmond. ing were carried out with due care and WIN went to press.