Is Epiphany bathing healthy?

Bathing in an ice hole on Epiphany among Russians can undoubtedly be called a tradition. On the night of January 18-19, people massively plunge into icy water, without thinking about contraindications. After all, not everyone benefits from such an "extreme" hardening. Many, without fear, take children with them, for whom bathing in icy water is very dangerous.

According to long-term statistics, the number of patients who have suffered a heart attack and stroke increases in hospitals on the first day after Epiphany bathing.

Is it possible for everyone to swim in the ice hole?

Bathing in icy water is categorically contraindicated for people:

• - with diseases of the cardiovascular system,
• - with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system,
• - with respiratory diseases,
• - with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
• - with diseases of the genitourinary system,
• - with inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx,
• - with endocrine diseases.

It is not recommended to swim in the ice hole for children, pregnant women, as well as elderly people.

Why is swimming in an ice hole dangerous for children?

A thin layer of subcutaneous fat (due to age-related physiological characteristics) is not able to protect the child's body from hypothermia, which can provoke diseases such as cystitis, glomerulonephritis, pneumonia.

What is the danger of swimming in icy water for adults?

Bathing in icy water can cause seizures and loss of consciousness;

A sharp spasm of the cerebral vessels is often the trigger for the development of stroke;

Spasm of the vessels of the extremities can cause the formation of blood clots;

Sudden cardiac arrest from a sharp temperature drop is possible;

During stress, the body produces hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine) that can have a negative effect on spermatogenesis (infertility);

Also, bathing a man in icy water is dangerous for the development of prostatitis;

For women, bathing in icy water can be fraught with the development of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Recommendations for people planning to swim in the ice hole:

1. Before diving into the hole, measure the blood pressure level and make sure that its values are normal.

2. Before entering the hole, it is necessary to warm up the skin (rub, stretch), stay in the air.

3. You should not dive into the ice hole headfirst - this is fraught with a sharp spasm of the cerebral vessels and loss of consciousness; the legs are the first to fall into the water.

It is forbidden to jump or dive into the ice hole!

4. It is not recommended to stay longer than 1 minute in the hole to prevent general hypothermia.

5. When leaving the font, it is necessary to hold on to the handrails or use the help of others.

6. Immediately after bathing, dry yourself with a towel and put on warm clothes.

7. It is not recommended to stay outside, you should go into a warm room and drink a warming drink.

It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages before swimming in the ice hole.

Also, do not forget that shoes should be stable.

Before diving into the ice hole, make sure there are no medical contraindications!