In at the Cold End

Self-reports were obtained, in a University College of London study, from over 1000 UK women, regularly participating in cold water swimming. These subjects were 16-80 years of age, with a median age of 49. There appeared to be strong evidence of mental and physical health benefits. This was especially true of menopausal women (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/25/cold-water-swimming-eases-menopause-and-menstrual-symptoms-study-finds). Many of these subjects reported, that cold water swimming, markedly reduced menopausal symptoms. These included mood swings and hot flushes. There was also some evidence,that cold water swimming, also lessened menstrual discomfort, in younger subjects. This form of exercise seems of great benefit to women over a wide age range. This activity should be facilitated by improving access to clean (unpolluted) locations. Group activity seems especially useful in maintaining this habit.