Health and Wellness - Recent Threads

Anyone ever dealt with cracked ribs?

67King — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:13:15 GMT

Well, what the title says. A week into the injury. Have had a lot going on, and had just been getting back into a groove when I did it. Now I'm trying to figure out when to try, again. Tried to do a little too much around the house (just built, and I'm trying to clear all my car related equipment out of the old and install into the new), which really made things worse. Don't want to repeat that by trying to get back in too soon. Going to set up a bike trainer to try to get some sort of cardio/conditioning. TOday is the first day I have felt that the pain level has started to get a tad better, which fits with the stuff I was prescribed (one week's worth) to manage the pain.

But wondering if anyone has had this before? Fortunately nothing displaced. Fingers, too, but those aren't bothering me, just won't be able to do pull sets until they get a little better. The other thing is the big fear with broken or cracked ribs is pneumonia, as folks tend to not breathe as deeply, which can cause a collapsed lung. So exercise will be my friend on that end, as well.

Cold while swimming

078RR — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:32:56 GMT

I’m 78 and I am a 49 + year USMS swimmer. As I grow older I am increasingly feeling colder, but lately it seems to be much worse! When I get in the YMCA competitive pool (79 degrees) I have a lot of trouble staying in the pool for a full workout. This is a 2000 yard swim at a very fast pace with a pulse 133 + or - (although slowing year by year)! I used to warm after 300 to 500 yards into the swim, but now I am still cold at 2000 yards. When I was younger, I was always warm and my wife was cold; now we have changed places. Anyone else having similar experiences?

Mindfulness in eating, menus and cookbooks

031YN — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:46:44 GMT

I first came across Charlie Trotter’s cookbook long after his Chicago restaurant had closed, but the idea that cooking could be a pursuit of excellence — a discipline of focus and purpose — stayed with me. Reading his words felt less like following recipes and more like entering a philosophy class disguised as a kitchen. Trotter spoke of cooking as something rigorous, creative, and deeply mindful — an act of immersion.

It made me think of the pool. As a master swimmer, I understand that same pursuit: the quiet repetition of laps, the awareness of form, the rhythm of breath. Every swim is an exercise in mindfulness — a reminder that progress happens stroke by stroke, much like a dish comes together ingredient by ingredient. Both require attention to detail, balance, and respect for process.

During my apprenticeship years in Beverly Hills, we studied Escoffier and Bocuse, learning structure, precision, and timing. Trotter’s voice — philosophical and restless — would have felt foreign then. But now, through swimming and travel, I recognize that pursuit he spoke of. Whether in the water or at the table, it’s the same lesson: excellence isn’t a destination; it’s a practice.

When I finish a good swim and sit down to eat — maybe a simple plate, done right — I think of Trotter’s final advice: forget the recipes, use the photographs as inspiration. In swimming, as in cooking, the guide is only the beginning. What matters is the act itself — mindful, deliberate, and alive.

The Water Matters

031YN — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:34:12 GMT

The Water Matters

Open water swimmers are no strangers to adapting — we face wind, waves, and water temperatures. This time the challenge isn’t about endurance or weather. It’s about water quality.

Boulder Aquatic Masters recently canceled what would have been the last open water swim of the season at the reservoir (and rightfully so). The decision came after a blue-green algae advisory was posted, a reminder that even in well-loved and frequently used bodies of water, conditions can shift quickly. Blue-Green algae blloms are caused by warm, nutrient -rich water, appearing as colorful clouds-even resemble blu spilled paint on the water.

The disappointment of missing a swim and the camaraderie of a post-swim potluck is real. But so is the importance of putting health first. Blue-green algae can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and in certain cases can be harmful to both swimmers and aquatic life.

For open water swimmers, clean and safe water isn’t just preferred — it’s essential. Training plans, race calendars, and community events all rest on the foundation of water quality. When conditions aren’t safe, the right choice is to step back, even if it means ending the season a bit earlier than planned.

In the end, this is part of the open water experience: respecting the water. And when the water is good, the swims — and the friendships built around them — become that much more meaningful.

Coach Julie Hardt

Kat — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:50:44 GMT

I’m reaching out to let you know about a difficult situation affecting our beloved Master’s Swim Coach Julie Hardt.

Julie is a brilliant University of Georgia grad, PhD from University of Western Australia, former American Record Holder, coach of the Carson, Nevada Tigersharks, coach of the 2024 Paralympic swim team, Pacific Swimming coach and swimmer (age group and Masters), wife of Brenda, and Dog mom of Freo.

Recently, she experienced a serious medical emergency that requires immediate and ongoing treatment of a cavernous malformation located in the midbrain of her brain stem. This group of blood vessels has been bleeding, causing Julie stroke-like symptoms that have worsened to the point of needing an intensive, invasive, and risky surgery.

As a result, Coach Julie has had to step away from coaching. She is currently facing significant financial burdens related to medical expenses, and as a swimming community, we can help ease that load. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Julie through this challenging time, and I’m hoping you will consider sharing her story with others.

You can find the GoFundMe page here: https://gofund.me/df076920 where you can read more about her life story.

I know many of us have been positively impacted by Coach Julie’s guidance and dedication. This is a great opportunity for us to show our support and give back to someone who has given so much to our swimming community. I hope you will consider giving to the campaign.

Thank you for your time and support, and I know Coach Julie and Brenda will be incredibly grateful for anything we can do to assist during this difficult time.

Swimming & Post-Polio Syndrome?

1C5FR — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:00:18 GMT

I had Polio when 4 weeks old, before the vaccine was available, and now, since I was about 39, have been dealing with the effects of Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). PPS shows up in a majority of survivors 30-40 years after the initial infection. The large nerves, grown to cover muscles where other nerves were killed by the disease (and cannot regenerate), wear out with a lifetime of overuse.

All that said, one of the great ways to stay conditioned without overdoing it - and wearing out those nerves that feed muscles - is swimming. With PPS, I cannot compete, but still love to swim, and would like to take advantage of training tips that I can adapt, and learn about pools that are available for us to use in New England and in the Med-west especially.

I am starting this thread to see if others would like to share common issues and accommodations we all have made due to PPS.

Thanks for the opportunity!

Cathy

Low-carb (ketogenic) eating and swimming

06KWC — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:19:42 GMT

The only required macronutrients to sustain life are protein and fats. There are NO essential carbohydrates. I adopted a ketogenic way of eating 12+ years ago. It has corrected multiple health issues, and it has enabled me to remain upright and active.

The basic formula: less than 15% carbs, 40% protein, and 45% fat. My formula is: 3% carbs, 34% protein and 63% fat. This gives me the nutrition I need to remain active and healthy without gaining weight.

I have completed multiple swims using this ketogenic formula, including: an 8-mile reservoir swim, a 10K pool swim in a 50-meter pool, and, for my birthday, 50 100-yard swims on 15 seconds' rest. I plan to attempt 51 150-yard swims in 2025 for my 51st birthday.

While some people are able to consume carbohydrates, too many people consume more than their body should intake. We are designed to eat meat, from the acid level in our stomach to the size of our large intestines, we are meat eaters. Actually, our stomach acid level puts us in the same category as scavengers. Which is more acidic than a lion's stomach, they are carnivore.

If you want to give it a try, give it 90-days. I true 90 days, don't lie to yourself and don't make excuses of why you can't complete the 90 days. If you need/want help holding yourself accountable, I'd love to help. Check out Twiggyfitnessisketo.com for more information.

DISSERTATION RESEARCH: EXERCISE MOTIVATIONS OLDER TRIATHLETES 65+

B3XK6 — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:38 GMT

Hello, fellow athletes!

My name is Sarah Gordon. I am a doctoral student (and triathlete) at Concordia University of Chicago in the Health and Human Performance Leadership program. I am currently looking for participants for a study with triathletes aged 65 and older.

For my dissertation research study, I am exploring the exercise motivations and perspectives of aging with older triathletes.

I am asking anyone who is a 65 or older triathlete to please participate in my survey.

Whether you are able to participate or not, if you know other triathletes (65 and over) (fellow club members, friends, race participants), I would be grateful if you would please forward this information to them. The more participants that take the survey, the better!

SURVEY LINK

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions.

Thank you,

Sarah Gordon

Sarah L. Gordon, M.A.

Ph.D. Candidate

Concordia University Chicago

Leadership: Health & Human Performance

crf_gordonsl@cuchicago.edu

Swimmers Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

P6MMB — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 02:26:18 GMT

Anyone have advice for managing/healing swimmers elbow? I'm early 60's, recently upped my swimming and am having lateral elbow pain after swims. It doesn't hurt while swimming but tends to wake me with pain at night and also is extremely tender if bumped.

I'm hoping to consult a swim coach on my technique but would appreciate any other exercises/advice.

Thanks!

Betsy

Back to the pool after the flu- when and how much??

69AC8 — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:03:19 GMT

Am starting to recover from a bad case of Influenza A that not only kept me out of the pool for over a week, but unable to participate in our state SCY event next weekend.

What is everyone else's experience swimming after having the flu?

Alternative to paracentesis

026C5 — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 02:32:11 GMT

RE: Anyone, I am a 72 metastatic breast cancer patient who is using paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity every 3 weeks. Does anyone have suggestions as an alternative to this treatment? An implant or otherwise?

There is a implantable (ALFA pump) available in Europe but not yet available in the US.

Our Team Swims in a VERY Hot Pool

07M08 — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:33:35 GMT

Our USMS team, Tualatin Hills Barracudas, practices in a beautiful 50-meter facility. However, the parks district that runs the pool insists on keeping the water temperature around 83-84 degrees, sometimes slipping into 85 degrees. We know that it is an unsafe temperature for intense aerobic swimming. (Not to mention it hurts our membership because so many people cannot swim in the hot pool... and we are the only USMS team in the greater Beaverton/Hillsboro area outside of Portland, Oregon.)

My question is can USMS help us in any way? Is there a safety committee that can write a letter? Any factual links/stories on master swimmers overheating and having health issues? Any way we can get help from USA Swimming... there is also a USA club swim team that practices at the pool.

Thank you for any assistance and info!

-Aubrie (swimmer and coach for THB)

Edibles (CBD/THC)

0AVJT — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:57:39 GMT

I'm curious if anyone uses an edibles? If so, what do you use/recommend and when do you usually take them? Also, how much do you use?

Chlorine and cancer

A359Y — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:39:21 GMT

Hello. After working as a swim coach for indoor pool YMCA. After the Pandemic., I developed Salvary Gland cancer. It has been in my system for a few years which is now in my bones. Tumors in my glands. Caused by chemical exposure over the years. Rare cancer. Is it possible that 18 years exposure to chlorine clouds indoors caused it? I stopped swimming in chlorine pools in 2016. I coached swim teams, both master and children. I am still a coach but been on medical leave.

Skincare

S2BJF — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:02:42 GMT

Hello,

I love a good skincare regimen - and would appreciate specific product recommendations to combat the impact of pool chemicals. Any and all recommendations welcome! Forty+ years of age, redhead, increasingly have combination skin as a result of three 90-minute sessions a week since January. Sincere thanks!

Fins & Afib

lv2swim — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 21:49:54 GMT

I understand that working out with fins increases the HR. Could it possibly cause an Afib episode? At the end of July I ended up in ICU with a HR of 155. Now I'm on medicine that I don't really want to be taking and wonder if it is necessary. And I have had a loop monitor inserted. I think it was stupidity on my part. I had been having some heart racing episodes that I chalked up to anxiety: moving/job change/caffeine. Mentioned it to new family practice doctor. EKG showed nothing. 3 week heart monitor showed nothing. After 3 weeks of no swimming (due to monitor) I hopped in and swam 2,000 then decided to add fins and do another 1,000 alternating fast/easy. Got in the shower and Afib hit. I am now under the care of a good cardiologist BUT he is not a swimmer. I'm trying to make the case that the fins caused the Afib. I've tried googling for information on any connection between race pace swimming with fins - and Afib but couldn't find much. Thoughts?

Need recommendation for keeping warm in a cold pool

03HDX — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 01:12:53 GMT

I am a 68 year old triathlete who works out in our local university (UCSC) pool. I have Raynauds syndrome and very slender (5’4”, 105lbs). I freeze in our pool which is kept at about 80 degrees year round. I would love to find a 3 mil shorty wetsuit but can only find 1 and 2 mil. I do fine if the water temp is 83. Don’t want to leave this gorgeous 50 meter out door pool. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Should I be concerned about my HR?

folkinhippy — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:38:42 GMT

Hey all.

48yo M here. This year i have dropped 53lbs and built to 15k+ yds/wk. Last week while donating at red cross the nurse taking my vitals looked at me while taking my pulse and said "46." I said "no way." and checked my watch and... sure enough. Since then I've been looking and resting hr is generally 48-52 (58 as I'm typing). I know that a slower heartbeat is, generally speaking, a good thing and a result of activity but being in the 40's so often is a little disconcerting. Before I started my no booze swim regimen in January my standing hr was like 68.-72, so the drop is significant.

My hr for swims seems to be okay. my distance/stroke sets get me to 130-135 and sprint sets will get it to 145, and I'm under 80 after like 100-120 seconds of rest. And I have no other symptoms of concern. My diet is balanced and junk/treats are minimal. BP is a seady 120/80.

But heart disease in my family is rampant and, like I said, 46 is a scary number to me.

I called the doc and made an appt for next week to be sure. In the meantime, should I be backing off just in case?

Thanks for any advice.

South Florida sports medicine specialists?

730ZV — Tue, 17 May 2022 01:31:54 GMT

Hi all, I am looking for a sports medicine clinic in south Florida (Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beach) that specializes in swimmers. I am having some potential inner ear issues and thus far the primary-care doctors and ENT specialists I've seen have come up short. Open to recommendations!

Long Swims while Pregnant

06A6A — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:43:16 GMT

I am considering signing up for a 4.4 mile open water swim when I will be 7 months pregnant at the time. Has anyone done something similar and would you be able to share your experience? How did it go for you and do you have any advice or things to look out for? I have done longer swims before (up to 25k open water) but not while pregnant. Thank you!

Swimming and competing with a pacemaker

0942E — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 03:52:38 GMT

I have bradycardia and will be getting a pacemaker in the near future. I am a competitive masters swimmer swimming all 4 strokes and I don't know what to expect. I know I will be limiting overhead movements for 6+ weeks but, when I get back to swimming will I be able to swim hard and will I be able to swim all 4 strokes without limitation? I would really appreciate hearing from other swimmers exercising and competing with a pacemaker as well as any cardiologist with knowledge of the unique movements in swimming. Any help and suggestions will be appreciated.

Looking for an Elite Masters Swimming Physician or Cardiologist, preferably the South Florida but open to any good one that does tele-consults

CZSWW — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:17:51 GMT

Hello ,

I am 60 and l am looking for a Physician or Cardiologist specialized in Seniors practicing elite masters swimming or other competitive sports. Looking to adapt my training to a potential heart condition. Thank you.

Seeking Elite Masters Swimming Physiologist or Physician in the NJ Area

TRGF0 — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:36:28 GMT

I am seeking advice/consultation from a Physiologist or Physician specializing in swimming.

I am 71 years old and have been a Top 10 swimmer since 2018. I swam in college, but took about 40 years off from swimming. I started again in 2018 with very little and low yardage swimming workouts. Despite relatively little swimming over the past 4 years, I can still hit Top 10 times in just about every stroke in sprint events. I do dry land workouts nearly 6 days a week and feel I am physically strong and in decent anaerobic shape. Still, I do want to go faster in the pool. I am a Vietnam Era veteran. Michael S. Fey, Ph.D.

Does anybody else have Dysautonomia (aka Autonomic Neuropathy or Autonomic Disorders)?

Elaine Krugman — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:55:27 GMT

After 30 years of getting shuffled from doctor to doctor, a name has finally been associated with my symptoms: Dysautonomia, aka Autonomic Neuropathy or Autonomic Disorder. If you have this disorder and are a competitive swimmer, I would be interested to speak with you!

Type-1 Diabetes, CGMs, and Swimming

jhoke — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:12:25 GMT

Hello!

I'm a type-1 diabetic (since 1990) and a longtime swimmer, I recently started on a Continuous Glucose Monitor {Medtronic}, and I'm still working on perfecting keeping my sensor/transmitter secure in my stomach while swimming. I swim daily in the pool, usually for 90-120 minutes with pretty high intensity/volume. I've been trying a patch designed by ocean swimmers and using Skin-Tac adhesive wipes, but they don't seem to stay stuck for a week (and the Skin-Tac may also be causing bad reactions). Does anyone have a good option--or know someone who might? I've yet to find anyone/anything helpful...most suggestions for swimmers are geared to less intense kinds of swimming, where there's less friction with the water (and less bending/force from flip turns every 25 yards...). Most medical professionals/suppliers just say "oh, this works fine for swimming" but they mean "you can play in the pool on vacation," not "you can be a master's swimmer." Thanks for any suggestions/leads!

-Jimmy

PS: my current lead is to try to find a suit that will cover my stomach, in hopes that a fabric covering will help reduce the friction on the patch over the sensor. So, in case this is an easier find: does anyone have suggestions for men's suits that **cover the stomach** (which are hard to find since they're no longer permitted for competition). Would love something that is not a full-on wetsuit...