Seniors should cool off before bathing

Wasserwacht advises seniors to cool down before bathing

09/07/2013

The sunny weather invites you to swim. However, a hasty jump into the cool water can be a considerable burden on the circulation. Especially seniors should therefore always cool off well before bathing, reports the news agency „dpa“ citing Michael Reil of the Wasserwacht Bayern.

Although the swimming in the lake or swimming pool as a form of physical exercise in general, a positive effect on the organism and the cooling body is very convenient in the hot weather. But the latter should not happen too suddenly, because otherwise serious cardiovascular complaints and at worst even a heart attack threaten. The expert of Wasserwacht Bayern therefore advises seniors in particular to cool down thoroughly before bathing, for example by first holding their hands and feet in the water for a while.

Jump into the cold water a significant burden on the circulation
Simplified, it can be stated that with increasing temperature difference between body and water temperature, the load on the cardiovascular system during immersion increases. Extremely hot outside temperatures cause the body to heat up, so that the risk of cardiovascular complaints during bathing is correspondingly increased. If you lie in the sun for a long time or engage in physical activities in the midday sun and then jump directly into the lake, then the functioning of your cardiovascular system is put to the test.

Cool well and no alcohol before bathing
According to Michael Reil, seniors who have done a lot of sports in the past and are in danger of overestimating themselves at higher ages are particularly at risk from cardiovascular complaints while bathing. Be careful here for all. Also, an occasional fitness test at the doctor may be helpful to properly assess their own constitution or the resilience of the cardiovascular system. General is „Water sports only then safe fun and relaxation, if you can assess your own skills and knows its limits“, explains Wasserwacht Bayern on its website. Also, there are certain bathing rules for all bathers that are designed to minimize risk. For example, the Wasserwacht advises not to swim with a full stomach and never drink alcohol beforehand, as it increases the size of the blood vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular complaints when immersed in cold water.

In the past two weeks, several bathers have already been fatally injured on the Bavarian lakes, including senior citizens. Whether actually a failure of their cardiovascular functions was the cause of death, does not emerge from the messages, but the warnings of the Wasserwacht Bayern should urgently be taken seriously. (Fp)

Picture: Gabi Eder