Regular hardening procedures and bathing in cold water can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of colds. However, a one-time plunge into icy water is a completely different strain on the body, which can cause serious stress, experts noted.
Before deciding to bathe in an ice hole, it is important to soberly assess your health condition and physical capabilities. It is best to consult a doctor.
People with acute and chronic illnesses are contraindicated from bathing in cold water. It is also not recommended to conduct such procedures for children, as their thermoregulation is not yet fully developed.
To minimize the load on the body, it is better to refrain from bathing for two weeks before and after vaccination.
People who are under the influence of alcohol should also avoid icy water: alcohol dilates blood vessels, leading to faster cooling of the body.
If you still decide to plunge into the ice hole, follow these recommendations:
- choose places where safety rules are followed — there should be lifeguards on duty, and the bathing area should be equipped with handrails and ladders;
- be sure to warm up before diving — simple exercises will help warm up your body;
- approach the ice hole in comfortable shoes that are easy to remove;
- do not dive headfirst, but carefully enter using the ladder. Immerse yourself three times up to your neck and immediately exit to avoid hypothermia;
- after bathing, immediately dry yourself with a dry terry towel, quickly put on warm clothes, and drink hot tea.
“Follow these recommendations and stay healthy. Remember: for bathing in cold water to be beneficial, it is better to start hardening from early autumn, gradually decreasing the water temperature during home procedures,” the specialists added.
