Considering a “polar plunge” this New Year’s? The surprising health benefits and how not to ‘overdo’ it

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Special Olympics have made the “Polar Plunge” popular across the nation. It’s a popular fundraiser that raises money for the organization and its athletes each New Year’s Day.

Not only is the fundraiser popular, but more people are taking the plunge as a figurative way to shed the past year and ring in the new one.

Doctors and sports therapists say jumping into cold water has a wide range of health benefits, too.

Dr. Chris McMullen, a rehabilitation medicine doctor with UW Medicine, says there are a few things to keep in mind, if you’re thinking about jumping into a cold lake, river or ocean: Only stay in for a few minutes, and jump in with as many people as possible. After a few minutes, get out, dry off, and warm up.

“Don’t go off by yourself and cut through the ice and jump in,” said McMullen.

He suggests people check with their doctors before taking the plunge, especially those with underlying conditions, like heart problems, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and Raynaud’s phenomenon (severe blood flow restrictions to the hands or feet).

Cold water immersion has a surprising number of health benefits, according to several studies. It can help reduce blood sugar, ease depression/stress/anxiety, and even reducing physical pain in athletes.

“Repeated cold water immersion has been shown to increase the circulating concentration of certain immune system cells and proteins,” McMullen said. “The limited studies we have on the health benefits from cold immersion suggests that the people who are doing it more on a repetitive basis might see more of those benefits.”

McMullen stresses that cold water immersion can still be dangerous, so it’s best to do it with other people around.

“We know that people are more likely to drown in colder water than warmer water,” McMullen said.

“Freezin’ for a Reason” will be held at the Red Lion at 4100 W. Riverbend Ave. in Post Falls, Idaho on February 8. Register here. A “Polar Plunge” will also be held at Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee on February 22. Register here.