Hey-ho, in what has been a month of bad news and disappointments, the continuing saga of my faulty plumbing system, goes on. Never again will I take for granted the ability to turn a tap and watch hot water gush out in a torrent of glistening liquid loveliness. Having to buy a commercial water boiler to fill the bath is only one step away from filling the tin bath hanging on the wall with water boiled on the hearth. Yes, our relatives really did have to do that, and yes, we are very fortunate that is no longer the case.
The demise of my waterworks continued steadily throughout the pandemic, thwarted by both a shortage of handymen - people - and a particularly complex plumbing problem that I am informed will not be easily remedied. "It's a big job, luv, and not one that's going to be relished by anyone during a pandemic, that's for sure", came one reply to my appeal for help.
"Take a cold shower!", people kept telling me. I am sure they meant that in the nicest possible way. If I had a tenner for every person saying it, I would not have to worry about the huge plumbing bill that I am expecting when the work is finally done.
So, I followed the advice. Tentatively. Was I pleased with the result? No, is the quickest response I can think of, but I cannot overlook the evidence of health benefits asscociated with having a cold shower.
Healthline lists these as:
calming itchy skin
waking you up
increasing circulation
reducing muscle soreness post-workout
potentially boosting weight loss
glowing hair and skin
When that cold spray hits your body, there’s a bit of shock. This shock increases:
oxygen intake
heart rate
alertness
Researchers from Cambridge University have discovered the welcome news that cold water swimming may protect the brain from degenerative diseases like dementia.
A "cold-shock" protein was found in the blood of those who regularly swam outdoors during the winter months. And here's the good news; the protein discovered, appeared to slow the onset of dementia, and even repaired some of the damage caused.
Cold showers are certainly an acquired taste and may never appeal to some, but as the time-honoured adage proclaims: prevention is better than cure.
Dementia has a personal resonance for me, and absolutely anything that can be done to keep this dreadful disease at bay, should be welcomed with open arms. That is the key point here; prevention. No-one is recommending immersing a person with dementia into a cold bath, but long may ongoing research into this feared condition, continue.
I am going to take a shower now, and yes, you've guessed it; it is going to be cold. But hopefully worth it in the long run.
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