Doctors have warned about the dangers of Epiphany bathing for the elderly

Epiphany bathing can pose a serious health risk, especially for the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. Sergey Panov, cardiologist and chief physician of the OPEKA system of services for the elderly, told Izvestia on January 19.

"Epiphany bathing is a short—term, but extremely powerful stress for the body. Adaptation is formed in people who practice walrus regularly: the cardiovascular system is trained, the sympathodrenal system is activated, and according to observations, seasonal acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19, are indeed less common in such people. However, it is important to understand that a single immersion in ice water does not strengthen the immune system — this effect is possible only with systematic and competent hardening," the specialist explained.

According to Panov, from a medical point of view, the key issue remains contraindications. Bathing is strictly not recommended for any manifestations of acute respiratory viral infections, even without fever, as well as for exacerbation of chronic diseases, bronchial asthma and kidney diseases. He named ischemic heart disease, previous heart attacks and strokes, thrombosis and severe cardiac arrhythmias as absolute contraindications. In addition, bathing is not recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus, as cold stress can cause a sharp drop in blood glucose levels.

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The doctor noted that a separate risk group consists of people over 60 years of age. At this age, most people already have atherosclerotic vascular changes, and a sharp spasm when immersed in icy water can trigger dangerous spikes in blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. In this regard, the decision on bathing should be made strictly individually and only after assessing the possible risks.

The expert also stressed that from a safety point of view, staying in icy water should not exceed one to two minutes. Alcohol consumption, which does not warm up, but only increases the risk of complications, is strictly unacceptable. After leaving the water, you should immediately change into dry clothes and drink a warm soft drink. For many people, especially the elderly, douching or other mild forms of hardening without extreme stress on the body remains a safer alternative.

Alexey Mavrin, founder of the OPEKA system of services for the elderly, added that it is important to take into account age-related vascular changes in geriatric practice. According to him, with age, the vascular wall loses elasticity and is no longer able to respond as quickly to sudden changes in conditions. He noted that even in everyday life, this is manifested by dizziness when abruptly getting out of bed, when the vessels do not have time to redistribute blood flow.

"Now imagine what a tremendous shock these same inelastic vessels experience when immersed in icy water. Instead of healing, we get the opposite effect — a powerful spasm that the worn-out cardiovascular system simply cannot compensate for. Such a temperature shock can trigger a critical pressure surge or rhythm disturbance. What is a tempering stress for a young body can become a point of no return for an elderly one. We urge you to remember: in old age, the safety and preservation of the resource of blood vessels is much more important than following extreme traditions," concluded the interlocutor.

On December 15, Dmitry Smirnov, a general practitioner at Lobnya Hospital, gave advice on how to bathe at Epiphany without harm to health. According to him, swimming is allowed only in specially equipped places, without diving and jumping into the water, preferably not alone. In case of any sudden deterioration of health, you should immediately seek medical help.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.