This may look like a mud-covered swamp (沼泽) creature, but it’s actually a kid enjoying Mud Day, an annual summer tradition at Nankin Mills Park in Wayne County, Michigan. Each July, thousands of people play in a mud-filled hole measuring 21 by 46 metres.
“It’s been one of the county’s most successful events,” says Beth Hughes, a representative of Wayne County. “The kids just love it.”
It might look like a lot of fun to dive into a huge pool of mud. But is this dirty activity safe? In general, mud is mostly harmless, says Steven Davis, a doctor in San Antonio, Texas. But mud can contain things like bacteria that can cause infections. If you’re planning on diving into the mud anytime soon, try to avoid getting it in your mouth, eyes, or nose, warns Davis. Also, wash off really well when you are finished. And if you have an open cut, the safest bet is to just stay out of the mud.
In some cases, covering your body with mud can actually be a good thing. Some mud, like that from the Dead Sea in the Middle East, is rich in elements (元素) that could be beneficial for the skin, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc. It’s also why some spas (休闲健身中心) offer mud baths as a beauty treatment.
“One of the reasons why people lie in the Dead Sea or cover themselves in mud is that the minerals in it may reduce swelling,” says Davis. A layer of mud may also act as a seal(密封) on the skin to trap in moisture (水分). Besides, the warmth of a mud bath just makes people feel good.
9. Mud Day is a tradition which
.
A.is celebrated twice a year |
B.is celebrated in June |
C.is very popular with children |
D.is the most successful event in Michigan |
10. What advice does Steven Davis give in the text?
A.Use a cloth to cover your mouth and nose while in the mud. |
B.Wash yourself simply as soon as you come out of the mud. |
C.Wash yourself before diving into the mud. |
D.Stay away from the mud if you have an open cut. |
11. The underlined phrase “trap in” in the last paragraph means “
”.
A.hold in | B.prevent |
C.get rid of | D.absorb |
12. The last two paragraphs are mainly about
.
A.the minerals that mud contains |
B.the benefits of mud |
C.the history of Mud Day |
D.the medical use of mud |