Tomorrow the believers of Magnitka will traditionally bathe in the ice-hole. If this year you also decided to plunge into ice water, our tips will come in handy. Woman’s Day has figured out how to make ice-hole swimming safe for your health.
Two fonts were prepared for the townspeople: behind the Rear-Front monument and on the territory of the OJSC MMK’s water-rowing base. The first will be ready to receive believers from 21:00 on January 18 to 21:00 on January 19, the second – from 18:00 on January 18 to 18:00 on January 19. Gennady Skobochkin, therapist at the private polyclinic No. 16, tells how to make swimming in the ice-hole safe for health.
1. First of all, on the eve of Epiphany, one should objectively assess the state of one’s health. Is there any malaise, redness of the throat, a slight runny nose? All of these normally minor problems after swimming in ice water can be exacerbated. Therefore, if you find something like this in yourself, postpone swimming in the ice hole until next year.
Doctors do not recommend bathing children under 12 years old in an ice-hole. An exception is if you specially temper your child from childhood.
2. Bathing should be preceded by a light dinner. Doctors do not recommend swimming on an empty stomach, as well as after a plentiful feast. Moreover, you should not “warm up” yourself with alcoholic beverages.
3. It is better to get to the bathing place by car. You must take a hat, a large towel, changeable dry linen, a thermos with regular or herbal tea with you. Outerwear should be warm and loose: wide trousers, bulky jackets, so as not to fight with narrow sleeves and legs.
4. Do not force things: many are trying to quickly and quickly swim, so as not to lose determination. Before undressing, wait a little on the beach, let your body acclimatize.
5. Do not suddenly “flop” into the water. The best option is in two passes. First, slowly enter the water to the waist, wet your hands and face, then go further. It is not recommended to swim in ice water, it is enough to sit three times.
6. After bathing, you should immediately wipe dry with a towel. Change underwear: nothing wet should remain on the body. Put on your outerwear again and drink warm tea.
7. Swimming in an ice-hole is best in the company of family and friends: one of the main rules of safe swimming in an ice-hole is a good mood.
Interview
Do you swim in the ice-hole for Epiphany?
Yes, every year! And that’s why I never get sick!
Brrrr! I hate the cold, especially the ice water!
This year I finally decided to try swimming myself
I never bathe myself, but I enjoy watching my friends