People are talking about jumping into freezing water to start the new year. A lot of events in North Texas are free or cost money to a good cause, like the Special Olympics of Texas.
Some towns also hold winter events to bring people to places by lakes, like the Lake Granbury Goosebump Jump. Head of the City of Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau — Visit Granbury, Tammy Dooley, said, “The Goosebump Jump is our first event of the Winter-Guest Tourism Season in Granbury.”
“And the weather? There is a 100% chance of snow. It’s what some people do, they’ll say. Some will say it’s good for your health. But is it good for you to jump into cold water? Here’s what skilled people say.
Is Diving Into Cold Water Healthful?
Some people say that swimming in cold water is good for your health. It is said to improve mental health and reduce stress, lower inflammation, boost the immune system, give you more energy and blood flow, nourish your hair and skin, make your lungs work better, and help you sleep better.
This is an old custom that goes back to the time of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. But health professionals tell a different story. They stress that there are many risks to what has become famous on social media sites like TikTok.
Is It Bad for You to Jump Into Freezing Water?
According to the American Heart Association, the shock of cold water can immediately put your body in discomfort, triggering abrupt jumps in respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
According to the National Weather Service, cold water immersion can trigger involuntary gasping, fast breathing, or hyperventilating due to the “shock” of a sudden plunge. If you inhale water and are unable to keep afloat, uncontrolled rapid breathing can soon turn into a drowning emergency.