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Monday, July 6, 2026
Music Minute - Exile: Rain Keeps Fallin'
American country rock legends and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees Exile are continuing the countdown to their forthcoming album Look Out Heart with the release of their new single, “Rain Keeps Fallin’” Available now through StarVista Music on all major digital and streaming platforms, the emotionally charged ballad showcases the band's signature harmonies and timeless storytelling.
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“Writing ‘Rain Keeps Fallin’ was one of those special songwriting sessions where everything clicked,” Exile shared. “J.P., Sonny and Clay built the song around the story of a man haunted by the loss of his love, with the sound of pounding rain and a lonely wind serving as a backdrop to his heartache.”
Driven by vivid imagery and emotional storytelling, “Rain Keeps Fallin’” follows a man haunted by the memory of a lost love as relentless rain mirrors the heartache he carries within. The song's universal themes of longing, loss and perseverance invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences while finding comfort in the hope that every storm eventually gives way to sunshine.
“Rain Keeps Fallin’” brings together three highly accomplished and respected songwriters with deep roots in Nashville and beyond. Exile founding members Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington are Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees and architects of one of country music’s most successful group careers, helping Exile achieve 11 No. 1 country hits and more than 8 million records sold. As songwriters, the duo penned numerous chart-toppers for Exile and wrote songs recorded by major artists including Alabama, Diamond Rio, Restless Heart, Janie Fricke, Kenny Rogers and others.
Joining them is award-winning songwriter Clay Mills, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee and multi-million-selling-hitmaker whose songs have been recorded by Darius Rucker, Lady A, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Diamond Rio and many others. Together, these three accomplished writers bring decades of hit-making experience and proven songwriting excellence to “Rain Keeps Fallin’.”
The new recording features original members Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar/lead and harmony vocals), J.P. Pennington (electric guitars/percussion, back vocals /acoustic guitar), Marlon Hargis (keyboards/vocals), Steve Goetzman (drums), and Les Taylor (acoustic guitars/lead and harmony vocals).
Exile continues to captivate audiences worldwide with a career marked by chart-topping hits and unforgettable performances featuring their stellar musicianship and signature soulful harmonies.
EXILE Tour Dates:
07-10-26 - The Ledge Amphitheater - Waite Park, MN
08-05-26 - Ulster County Fair - New Paltz, NY
08-13-26 - Hertz Arena - Estero, FL
08-15-26 - Pensacola Bay Center - Pensacola, FL
08-16-26 - Tucks Bar - Minor Hill, TN
08-21-26 - Iowa State Fair - Des Moines, IA
09-06-26 - Historic Shuler Theatre - Raton, NM
09-11-26 - Jackson Live & Event Center - Seymour, IN
09-12-26 - McLeansboro Fall Festival - McLeansboro, IL
09-17-26 - Black Gold Festival - Hazard, KY
09-18-26 - The Vine at Chenault Vineyards - Richmond, KY
09-26-26 - Covered Bridge Days Festival - Elizabethton, TN
10-03-26 - Harris Park - Dunlap, TN
10-09-26 - Georgia Mountain Fair (Anderson Music Hall) - Hiawassee, GA
02-28-27 - Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts Concert Hall - Conway, AR
03-13-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-14-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-15-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-16-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-17-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-18-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-19-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03-20-27 - '70s Rock and Romance Cruise 2027 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Produced by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, the track was recorded at two iconic studios, Tower Station Studio in Lexington, Kentucky, where Jeff Myers engineered the initial sessions, and The DAWg Houze in Gallatin, Tennessee, with Tony Cottrill behind the board for additional recording. The song was expertly mixed by Paul Scholten at County Q in Nashville, Tennessee, and mastered by Mike Purcell at the same facility, ensuring a polished, radio-ready sound that shines with Exile’s trademark energy and musicianship.
Stay current with Exile on their official website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Stream and download their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, and watch videos on their official artist YouTube channel HERE.
About Exile:
Formed in 1963 in Richmond, Kentucky, Exile rose from playing local clubs to topping both the pop and country charts with eighteen hits collectively, including eleven No. 1s during their 60-year-long career. Their iconic smash hit, “Kiss You All Over,” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980s, Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts, Exile had ten No. 1 singles, including “Woke Up In Love” and "Give Me One More Chance." The hit song "Kiss You All Over" was used in the 1996 Adam Sandler movie Happy Gilmore and the 2006 film Employee of the Month, among others. They have written hit songs for other major label artists, including Alabama, Diamond Rio, and Restless Heart. The five original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current band members include J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis, and Steve Goetzman. In 2023, Exile celebrated its 60th anniversary as a band and the 45th anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.” They continue to tour, promoting their most recent album, A Million Miles Later, released in August 2023, and the recent album release, Exile Hits Anniversary Edition.
About StarVista Music:
With years of experience distributing entertainment-based content and live entertainment through our sister company, StarVista LIVE, StarVista Music is a trusted and effective label partner. We provide world-class resources, including multi-channel marketing, publicity, promotion, in-house creative expertise, and long-standing industry relationships and partnerships built over our history.
Travel Tidbits - Maldives
MALDIVES...You've seen the photos...the overwater villas, the infinite horizon pools, the turquoise that does not look real until you are actually standing in it Some fun facts to consider about this stunning gem:
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Area Attractions - Wonder Works Summer 2026 (Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Branson)
Special offerings at Wonder Works this summer include patriotic decorations, official America 250 merchandise in the gift shop, and a “Red, White & Delicious” family meal in the Cruisin' Café that is only $17.76, which includes one large pizza, four soft drinks, and four freezer pops. Plus, cool off with another brand-new menu item: delicious Pineapple Dole Whip. The Great American Summer of Wonder is running now through Labor Day.
Guests will not want to miss the highlight of American innovation and patriotism on display in the American Pride exhibit and theater on the second floor. This popular exhibit--unique to WonderWorks Branson--explores the greatest achievements and innovations in the history of our country, showcases various ways in which every military branch is involved in STEM education and more.
About WonderWorks
WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment uniquely and engagingly. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for guests of all ages. WonderWorks is open 365 days a year and hosts birthday parties and special events year-round. For more information visit WonderWorksMB.com, and follow @WonderWorksMB, @WonderWorlsORL on Facebook and X (Twitter), @WonderWorksBranson on Facebook, @WonderWorksBR on X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_MB, @WonderWorks_ORL, @WonderWorks_BR on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.Book Nook - Borrowed Child
Author Marguerite Welch is very familiar with what they say about good intentions: when it comes to trying to parent across a cultural divide, well-meaning intentions can quickly turn sour.
Drawing on her own personal experiences, Marguerite has written Borrowed Child, a forthcoming novel about grieving mother Helen—a white, wealthy woman—who takes in Mia, a troubled undocumented Mexican teenager. Helen’s good intentions with mentoring and parenting Mia creep into a form of control, and things spiral.
A haunting and suspenseful cautionary tale, Borrowed Child is about what happens when a well-meaning inclination toward “salvation” goes awry. Though fiction, it mirrors a lot of the author’s experience with her own “Mia,” a young woman whom Marguerite still has a relationship with and consulted while writing the book.
Borrowed Child releases July 15 with She Writes Press.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview:
What was the inspiration for the book?
Borrowed Child was inspired by my relationship with a troubled, undocumented Mexican teenage girl, whom I tutored for eight years and who lived with us her junior year in high school.
This book tackles a variety of issues, including immigration and caregiving. How do you approach writing with topics that require sensitivity and nuance?
In this case, Borrowed Child evolved from a series of interviews with my collaborator, IG, who had complete control over the telling of her story and hoped it would function as a cautionary tale for other young girls who might find themselves in similar circumstances.
What do you hope the reader will gain from reading this book?
I hope the reader will come away with a more nuanced and human understanding of the complex issues surrounding the immigration question and the pitfalls of being overly focused on “salvation.”
Friday, July 3, 2026
Book Nook - Lullaby: A Bedtime Story
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Scott Randall Lindberg is a passionate musician, songwriter, and music teacher with a joyful heart, working with children from ages 3-73. He is also an author and storyteller whose popular soul-touching and hope-filled stories entertain and inspire readers worldwide. His first book, The Heart Speaks, was published in 2023. Scott is a gifted artist and photographer with a talent for capturing multicolored flares and auras. He is a gemstone expert and artisan, crafting crystal necklaces which he conspires to give away daily. Scott describes himself as a meandering musician, unreasonably silly, unrealistically positive…a starstruck storyteller, playful friend-makin’, earth-shakin’, cookie-bakin’ mystic. A puddle-jumpin’, heart-thumpin’ giggling troubadour. He is a woods-walkin’, tree talkin’, bubble blowin’, childlike, friend findin’ fun fiend who would gladly lose his mind to find his soul.
Fun Freetime - Great South Bay Music Festival (Patchogue NY 7/23-7/26)
The Great South Bay Music Festival is adding even more to its 18th anniversary celebration with new musical performances, artisan vendors, expanded food and beverage offerings, and community experiences ahead of this year's event, taking place July 23–26 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue Village.
Building on an already diverse lineup featuring My Morning Jacket, Sublime, Govt. Mule, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, The Used, Little Feat, Common Kings, Sierra Hull, KOYO, Cartel, NY Ska Jazz and more, festival organizers have announced additional artists and experiences that continue to make Great South Bay one of the Northeast's premier waterfront music festivals.
Joining Saturday's celebrated Jam Day lineup is LaMP, the acclaimed improvisational trio featuring Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski of the Trey Anastasio Band alongside Scott Metzger of Joe Russo's Almost Dead. Their addition further strengthens a day dedicated to free-flowing musicianship, improvisation and boundary-pushing performances.
On Sunday, the festival will also present a special Bob Weir Celebration, bringing together an all-star lineup honoring the legendary Grateful Dead co-founder. The tribute will feature Andy Falco (The Infamous Stringdusters), Rob Eaton (Dark Star Orchestra), Alwyn Robinson (Leftover Salmon), Eric Finland (Eric Krasno Band), Leslie Mendelson, Pat Falco (Cosmic Orchestra), with additional guests to be announced.
Beyond the music, Great South Bay continues to showcase one of Long Island's largest artisan marketplaces, featuring independent makers and craftspeople offering handcrafted jewelry, custom apparel, vintage clothing, permanent jewelry, hand-dyed wearable art, crochet, beach-inspired fashion, musical artwork and other one-of-a-kind goods.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy an expanded food village featuring everything from lobster rolls, barbecue, brick oven pizza and kielbasa to Thai-inspired fare, dumplings, stuffed pretzels, smoothies, açaí bowls, crepes and festival favorites. Beverage offerings include craft beer, wine and ready-to-drink favorites from Kona Big Wave, Blue Point Brewing Company, Greenport Harbor Brewing, Bridge Lane Wines, Athletic Brewing Company, Michelob Ultra and Surfside.
Community impact remains a cornerstone of the Great South Bay Music Festival. Continuing an 18-year tradition, the festival donates a percentage of ticket sales to support Stony Brook Children's Hospital. The festival will also once again host its Storyville Tent, providing complimentary space for local nonprofit organizations focused on supporting veterans, suicide prevention, pet rescue, environmental conservation and other community causes.
Now in its 18th year, the Great South Bay Music Festival has become a summertime tradition on Long Island, welcoming thousands of fans each year for four days of live music spanning rock, jam, reggae, alternative, pop punk, ska, bluegrass and more. Alongside nationally acclaimed headliners, the festival remains committed to showcasing emerging artists, supporting local businesses and giving back to the community that has helped it thrive for nearly two decades.
Tickets are on sale now, with General Admission, VIP, Ultra VIP and multi-day packages available. Children under 10 are admitted free.
Festival Times:
Thursday 7/24: Doors: 3:30pm, fest goes till 10pm
Friday 7/25: Doors at 4:00pm, fest goes till 11pm.
Saturday 7/26: Doors at 1:00pm, fest goes till 11pm.
Sunday 7/27: Doors at 2:00pm, fest goes till 10pm.
Shorefront Park is located just a few miles south of LIE, exit 63S, …straight to the magnificent Great South Bay. By Train: LIRR to Patchogue Train Station, less than a mile from the fest.
House & Home - Home Features Survey
A new nationwide survey from Williams Homes explores how the American home has evolved over the last 30 years, revealing which features homeowners value most.
Here's a look at how home preferences have shifted in 2026:
- 86% say today's homeowners prioritize lifestyle and convenience over square footage
- 94% say flexible, multi-purpose living spaces are essential in today's homes
- Top home features 30 years ago: large yard (70%), separate living room (65%), and formal dining room (63%)
- Top home features today: energy-efficient features (68%), remote work space (62%), and proximity to amenities (57%)
The report also found that 97% of Americans say having a remote workspace is important in today's homes, showing how modern lifestyles continue to reshape residential design.
Take a look at the full report linked above for more insights.
Healthy Habits - Summer Is a Good Time for Families to Decide on Braces or Aligners
Summer gives many families something they do not have once school begins, time. According to Dr. Bryn Cooper of Cooper Orthodontics, that makes summer a good season for parents and patients to decide whether braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic treatment plan is the right choice before the coming school year begins.
“The main reason is time,” Dr. Cooper said. “Families have more flexibility in the summer for consultations, records, fittings, and follow-up appointments. Once school, sports, activities, and homework begin, that time becomes much harder to find.” At Cooper Orthodontics, we understand that and have implemented at-home monitoring called Cooper Connect, powered by Dental Monitoring, so those patients that want to communicate outside of appointments at the orthodontic office, can do so and reduce the burden of orthodontic appointments on their calendar. Comment: not sure we should include this here - might be too much information or introducing something we don't talk a lot about - but it is another great aspect that differentiates us.
Dr. Cooper said the most important decision is not whether braces or aligners are more popular. The first question should be what problem needs to be corrected. “We are not starting with braces or aligners,” Dr. Cooper said. “We are starting with the patient’s bite, growth stage, goals, lifestyle, and oral health. Then we choose the tools that will help us get the best result.”
Patients and parents considering orthodontic treatment should ask several basic questions before choosing a treatment plan:
- What problem are we trying to fix?
- Are braces, aligners, or a combination of treatment options appropriate?
- How disciplined will the patient be about wearing aligners as prescribed?
- How disciplined will the patient be about cleaning braces and modifying their diet?
- How will treatment affect eating, brushing, flossing, sports, school, work, or public appearances?
What will treatment cost, and what does insurance cover? - What happens after treatment to keep the teeth from shifting back?
Dr. Cooper said braces are often a strong choice for younger patients, patients with more complex bite or tooth-movement issues, or patients who may not reliably wear removable aligners. Because braces are attached to the teeth, they work continuously and do not depend as much on patient compliance.
Clear aligners may be a good option for responsible patients whose cases are appropriate for aligner treatment. They are less visible and removable, but they only work if patients wear them as directed, remove them for meals, clean their teeth before reinserting them, and keep track of the trays.
“Aligners can be a wonderful option for the right patient,” Dr. Cooper said. “But they are not magic, and they are not right for everyone. Successful treatment still depends on diagnosis, supervision, and patient cooperation.”
Dr. Cooper also cautioned patients against choosing orthodontic treatment based only on price, appearance, or convenience. “The cheapest option is not always the best value,” Dr. Cooper said. “A plan that does not fully address the patient’s bite, oral health, or long-term stability can become more expensive and more frustrating later.” She said a good orthodontic consultation should include a professional examination, discussion of goals, review of treatment options, explanation of risks, cost information, and a plan for retainers after treatment.
“Orthodontic treatment is a commitment,” Dr. Cooper said. “Patients should feel comfortable with the plan, the provider, and the long-term responsibilities that come with keeping their results.”
About Cooper Orthodontics
Cooper Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, offering treatment options designed to improve oral health, function, confidence, and smile aesthetics. Led by Dr. Bryn Cooper, the practice is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through personalized, professionally supervised care.
Cooper Orthodontics serves patients in Houston and Lake Jackson, Texas.
Smart Safety - The reality of the pool: Hidden health quirks of summer swimming
Summer is in full swing, and for many, this looks like long pool days. But along with the fun comes a wave of seasonal health warnings, internet rumors and old wives’ tales that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.
To help separate fact from poolside fiction, we sat down with Gabriel Neal, MD, clinical professor and department head with the Texas A&M University Naresh K.Vashisht College of Medicine at Texas A&M Health, to break the surface and get deeper than a generic answer. From infections to swimming safety, here is your guide on what happens to our bodies in the water.
Can a quick dip replace a real shower?
After a long day of swimming, it is tempting to skip the bath and head straight to bed. After all, it seems sound after soaking in chlorinated water for hours, right?
Not exactly, Neal said.
That classic “chlorine smell” at the neighborhood pool isn’t pure chlorine; it’s a byproduct of the chemical reacting with organic matter like sweat and urine, according to a study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
“Chlorine is not a soap,” Neal said. “When we shower and bathe, we’re using a soap of some kind to remove dirt and oil off of our skin that provides a place for bacteria to hang out.”
While pool chlorine acts as an excellent disinfectant to create a hostile environment for viruses and bacteria in the fresh water, it does not clean your body. For example, pathogens like Cryptosporidium are tough waterborne parasites that can survive in properly chlorinated water for more than seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Commonly referred to as Crypto, this parasite can be found in any community pool. Onset of the infection can take up to a week, and symptoms like diarrhea can last up to two weeks.
Jumping in a pool might rinse off loose debris, but it’s not a proper substitute for a shower or bath.
Does swimming cause UTIs?
A common worry passed around is that sitting in a damp bathing suit all afternoon will trigger a urinary tract infection (UTI). Fortunately, science does not back this up.
According to Neal, there is no significant evidence that swimming or wearing a wet bathing suit causes UTIs. Rather, in adult women, some of the real culprits for UTIs are sexual intercourse and dehydration.
A recent review in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene noted that scientists are exploring whether contaminated recreational water could play a role in the spread of UTI-causing bacteria. However, no studies have shown that swimming pools are a common cause of UTIs. The better-established concern, according to Neal, is that keeping a wet suit on for prolonged hours does create a warm, moist environment that invites other unpleasant skin and pelvic issues for both men and women, including:
- Folliculitis. This occurs when chlorine and bacteria compromise the skin barrier, trapping moisture and causing hair follicles to become red, inflamed and irritated.
- Yeast infections. Yeast thrives in damp environments. Prolonged wetness increases the risk of vaginal and groin yeast infections, particularly for individuals with higher baseline risks, such as those with diabetes or immunodeficiencies.
It’s great to swim, but when you get out of the water, dry off and put on dry clothes immediately.
Can you swim on your period?
While on the topic of pelvic health, people often wonder if it is safe to swim during a menstrual cycle, or if doing so causes infection risks.
Neal’s answer is short and definitive: It is safe to swim while on your period.
He explained that it won’t risk your health, and choosing to swim while menstruating all comes down to personal comfort. Swimming on your period does not make you more susceptible to any type of pool-related infection.
What is a swimmer’s ear, and how can it be prevented?
Water trapped in a swimsuit is annoying, but water lounging in the ear canal can lead to a notoriously painful condition known medically as otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear.
Neal noted that this is different from the classic middle ear infection (otitis media), which happens behind the eardrum and usually requires oral antibiotics. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal skin and is usually caused by a pervasive environmental bacteria called pseudomonas.
“It happens when the very thin layer of skin inside the ear canal is wet for a long time,” Neal said. “It compromises the ability of the skin to keep out the bacteria.”
Although anyone who spends a lot of time in the pool can get it, the risk is even higher for those with diabetes or immunodeficiencies. If you want to keep your family out of the clinic this summer, Neal suggested these prevention steps:
- Block the water. Use swim earplugs or a snug swim cap to prevent water from entering the ear.
- Use gravity. Intentionally tilt your head to the side after swimming to let trapped water drain out.
- Evaporate the moisture. Put a couple drops of a one-to-one mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar into the ear after swimming to evaporate any water left behind.
- Put down the Q-tips. Never insert cotton swabs or any objects into the ear canal. This damages the delicate skin lining and drastically increases your risk of infection.
How should sunscreen be applied?
You might have heard whispers that high SPF numbers are just a marketing gimmick, or conversely, that wearing SPF 15 means you can stay out exactly half as long as someone wearing SPF 30.
Neal noted that people frequently misuse the numbers or mistake “water resistant” for “waterproof.” The truth is that reapplication needs to happen regardless of water involvement, and a higher SPF correlates to a stronger filter for ultraviolet light, not longer-lasting protection (for context, a pair of blue jeans has a measured SPF of about 1,000).
To maximize your sun protection, he advised looking for these features:
- Broad-spectrum coverage. Ensure the bottle explicitly states it covers both UVA and UVB rays.
- Stick to SPF 30 or greater. Neal views SPF 30 as the baseline minimum. While protection gains plateau slightly between SPF 50 and 100, anything above 30 offers legitimate protection.
- The one-hour rule. There is a sharp diminishing return on effectiveness over time. Even if a bottle claims to be waterproof, you must reapply your sunscreen according to the directions.
Application pro-tip: Don’t fight over sticks versus sprays. It’s all about coverage preference. Neal loves broad sprays for large areas like the arms, legs and chest. However, because sunblock intensely stings the eyes, he recommends using a stick or lotion for the face. Be meticulous around the nose, ears, lips, eyebrows and forehead, as these highly exposed areas are where skin cancers appear most often, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whenever possible, pair your lotion with a wide-brimmed hat for ultimate protection against harmful sun rays.
Do you really have to wait to swim after applying sunscreen or eating?
We’ve all heard the golden heuristics of the pool: Wait 15 minutes for your sunscreen to dry, and wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim, or you’ll cramp and drown.
Are either of these true?
- The sunscreen wait. Neal said this is true and you should follow the bottle’s instructions. Waiting several minutes gives the product time to bind properly to dry skin. If you apply it to wet skin or jump straight into the water, it simply washes away.
- The food wait. This is pure myth, Neal said. The underlying theory sounds scientific since eating diverts blood flow to your digestive tract and away from your muscles, but Neal confirmed there is absolutely zero evidence that swimming right after a meal increases your risk of cramping then drowning. However, with younger children especially, it is still best practice not to eat in the pool to eliminate choking hazards and prevent food particles from becoming floating debris, according to the American Red Cross.
What is the final word on safety and submersion injury?
Perhaps the most terrifying panic that hits every summer is the narrative around the outdated and false term “dry drowning.” The idea is that a child can accidentally swallow water, appear completely fine, and then tragically pass away in their sleep days later.
“Dry drowning as a term is out of date, and it’s kind of distracting,” Neal said. “We should not propagate the narrative of dry drowning. Drowning is drowning.”
Medical professionals instead refer to these incidents as submersion events. In fact, the Cleveland Clinicofficially uses three specific ways to describe drowning: fatal, nonfatal with injuries and nonfatal without injuries. Drowning is a progressive process where liquid enters the lungs, causing acute inflammation and impairing the body’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. If a child aspirates chlorinated pool water, the chlorine triggers an inflammatory response in the lung tissue.
The most important takeaway for parents is that drowning is not silent nor symptomless. Neal explains that a child who has suffered a serious submersion injury will show clear, overt signs of respiratory distress.
If you or a loved one has a scary coughing fit or accidentally inhales water, Neal suggested monitoring them closely for about four to six hours and watching for these symptoms:
- Persistent, severe coughing
- Chest pain
- Visible difficulty breathing or struggling for air
- Profound confusion, abnormal sleepiness or lethargy
- Vomiting
If your child exhibits any of these signs, seek emergency medical attention immediately so professionals can check their oxygen levels and provide airway support.
However, if someone who had a near-drowning experience is acting completely fine, breathing normally, and showing none of the symptoms above during that four- to six-hour window, you can rest easy, Neal said. They aren’t going to suddenly succumb to a hidden injury hours later.
“If they’re fine, then they really are fine,” he said.
ABOUT TEXAS A&M HEALTH
Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) comprises five colleges and schools (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health), integrated University Health Services, several research centers and institutes, and numerous outpatient clinics with a shared mission of advancing health care for all. We serve the state and beyond with campuses and locations in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen and Navasota. Learn more at health.tamu.edu or follow @TAMUHealth on X (née Twitter).
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