Doctor: Epiphany swimming may damage reproductive organs
Aleksei Koshcheyev, neurosurgeon of the neurosurgery institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences describes the risk of swimming in ice water.
Euroradio: How dangerous swimming in winter is, how bad is it for the heart?
Aleksei Koshcheyev: Such activities can be dangerous in a number of situations. Firstly, the cold can lead to vasoconstriction. If the person has heart problems, such as infarction or stenocardia, the spasm can result in serious consequences including a relapse. Moreover - pathologists and forensic experts know about it - ice water can often lead to a cardiac arrest. It can happen even to healthy people especially when they are intoxicated.
Euroradio: Belarusian special police troops like plunging in ice water during the Epiphany to demonstrate their courage. Can it cause health problems for men?
Aleksei Koshcheyev: Special police troops are a special category of people. I always wonder why they break concrete on their heads. I can hardly imagine how it can help them train. So, if a person deliberately serves there, it is okay. In reality, it can result in ischemia in their genitals. That is why they have to be careful about it.
Euroradio: However, winter-swimmers have been doing it for many years and they do not fall ill. Is it good for health if you gradually get used to it?
Aleksei Koshcheyev: Doctors in different countries have been actively practicing it. Hardening yourself is a really efficient means of preventive health care. However, many people do not understand that the method should be combined with everything else – with physical education, getting rid of bad habits, good working conditions and vacations. But our people often take a cold shower and drink 100 grams of alcohol afterwards thinking that it makes them healthier.
