Think twice before taking the step.
Polar plunges take place when groups get together (often to ring in the new year or raise money for charity) and jump into frigid bodies of water.
While these events have occurred for years around the world, some experts warn that they could be dangerous and even deadly.
“If you’re not prepared for cold shock, it can be really dangerous,” Lee Hill, a former swimming coach and exercise physiologist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, told National Geographic.
In recent years, health and beauty gurus, as well as celebrities, have been touting the benefits of cold baths and showers (generally defined as bathing in water less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit), but experts warn that Jumping directly into icy waters provides a strong impact. that might be too much for some people.
“It’s actually extremely dangerous, mainly because everything most people know comes from social media. There is very little knowledge about it,” François Haman, a physiologist at the University of Ottawa in Canada, told National Geographic.
Polar plunges occur when groups gather to jump into very cold bodies of water. Chad Rachman for the New York Post
“It is the biggest shock that a human being can experience, like lightning. “That’s how dangerous it is.”
He noted that the first few seconds are “probably the most dangerous part” as the body struggles to regulate itself.
Experts note that some people may begin to hyperventilate, develop hypothermia, go into cardiac arrest, and even die.
Health experts, beauty gurus, and celebrities have been touting the benefits of cold baths and showers in recent years. Others are sounding the alarm. The Washington Times/Landov
Those with respiratory problems such as asthma, cardiovascular conditions, hypertension or other heart-related problems should take special care and consult a doctor beforehand.
Just last year, an unconscious man was dragged out of the ocean during the annual Coney Island “polar plunge” after cardiac arrest was reported to the New York City Fire Department.
But when done correctly, cold soaks can provide mental, physical, and aesthetic benefits.
“It is the biggest shock that a human being can experience, like lightning. That’s how dangerous it is,” François Haman, a physiologist at the University of Ottawa in Canada, told National Geographic. fake images
Instead of diving straight into a polar dive, professionals often recommend that beginners start with just a few seconds and add 5 more each time.
Practicing in the shower is the easiest way to prepare, they add.
It also doesn’t need to be frozen for long to reap benefits. A 2016 study published in PLOS One found that people who took a cold shower for just 30 to 90 seconds over 90 days called in sick to work 29% less often than people who didn’t take the plunge.
Instead of diving straight into a polar dive, professionals often recommend that beginners start with just a few seconds and add five more each time. Microgen – stock.adobe.com
Studies have found that, when done correctly, cold soaks or showers can help increase endorphins, speed up metabolism, strengthen immune health, promote healthy weight loss, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and swelling, combat the symptoms of depression and reduce aches and pains.
Some also claim that cold water can give you a beauty boost by tightening your pores and adding shine to your hair.
Some medical experts have even claimed that taking ice baths regularly has helped increase libido to boost people’s sex lives.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn