[Paddlewise] Prevention of Surfers Ear

I am thekayaker_at_yahoo.com, but have changed my base for
subscription because Yahoo is ridiculously slow.

Anyways, here is what I wanted to say...
This summer I was paddling on an area lake that supports a big waterfowl 
population. Afterwards, I got an earache. I consulted  with ask-a-nurse toll 
free hotline, and while she recommended antibiotics, she acknowledged my 
concerns about how the bug I had might become resistant, and recommended a 
home remedy instead. It worked great and was really cheap too.

Most pharmacies will give out small "dropper" bottles
that you can use to "disinfect" your ears. Just ask real nicely.
50% Rubbing Alcohol (by the aspirin aisle)
50% White Vinegar   (by the pickles/canning aisle)
 
I simply filled the bottle with ingredients, closed, sloshed it around to mix 
and then placed a couple drops in one ear and rested on my side for a couple 
minutes. Then I turned and repeated on the other. Make sure to have a towel 
handy to absorb ear runoff.
It will take a couple days for inflammation to go away, same as if you used 
antibiotics.
  The nurse also advised that I use this BEFORE I go paddling to make my ears 
an environment unwelcome to bugs.  An ounce of prevention... 
I keep the dropper on the top shelf with my gear. This way I can always 
remember to load my ears before I go.
  I have used this with great success for the rest of the summer, although one 
of my buddies has gotten an earache -  without using this potion before our 
trip. He used it to clear it up though.

Good Stuff,
Better paddling,

Phil Huck
Fargo, ND

was thekayaker_at_yahoo.com
I now am posting from huck_at_mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu

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