Cold snap: student urging Scots to take a dip
Bursts of cold water have been shown to boost our immune system
Last updated 7th Dec 2017
How does the thought of a regular cold shower sound?
How about a quick swim in Loch Lomond?
Although it may sound dreadful, we're being encouraged to give it a go in the name of boosting our long-term health.
Patrick Hart, a medical student at Glasgow University, says small health tips and changes to our routine - like regular cold showers or getting off the bus a stop early to walk the rest of the way - could make big improvements to our quality of life.
He's hoping to launch an app to bring this sort of advice to the masses in easily-digestible videos.
Speaking to Clyde News by the banks of Loch Lomond, he said: "Cold water's certainly not the most pleasant thing in the world, but it's one of those things that once you do it you feel much better afterwards.
"It can help your body's immune system by boosting your blood's white cell counts, which are really vital when fighting infection.
"It can also help to treat the symptoms of depression by triggering the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain.
"A cold water swim can also help you lose weight. This is interesting because your body has to work harder in cold water to keep itself warm."
Recent studies have shown numerous health benefits that come from experiencing bursts of cold water, but Patrick's keen to take that information to the wider public.
He said: "I'm developing an app which I'm calling 'Brush Up Your Health'.
"It's two-minute videos related to health which you can watch every morning while you're brushing your teeth, helping you to improve your health each day. Most people I know just look at their phone or stare out the window while they're brushing their teeth, so I thought I could help make better use of that time."
Patrick is part of the University of Glasgow's Future World Changers group, which looks at how the lives of people across the globe can be improved.
He added: "Obviously my first piece of advice on the app will be about cold water swimming and the benefits that it can bring.
"There'll be loads of things covered though, including small ways that you can help get more exercise into your day. Things like parking the car further away from work, or getting off the train a stop early.
"I'm not talking about people moving to Spain to get more Vitamin D by having more direct sunlight, I'm talking about really small things that people can do to help live longer, healthier lives."