Latest news with #VhdehiInstituteofMedicalSciencesandResearch
IOL News
a day ago
- Climate
- IOL News
Do Scandinavian babies really nap outdoors in the cold? Immune system hack or parental myth?
In countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, it's totally normal to spot prams parked outside cafes or homes with babies bundled up and fast asleep in freezing temperatures. Image: King kid/TikTok When you hear the phrase "cold exposure" your mind might instinctively recoil at the thought of plunging into icy waters or bundling up for a winter run. After all, South Africans are more accustomed to basking in the sun than braving the cold. While South Africans are known for bundling up babies at the first sign of a cold front, a growing global parenting trend suggests otherwise. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Scandi-style parenting, which encourages babies to nap outdoors in the cold, is making waves on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Parents in Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Norway have long embraced this practice, believing that fresh air improves sleep quality and strengthens the immune system. Cold exposure has long been linked to a wide range of health benefits. Research shows that immersing yourself in cold temperatures can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even improve mental health. According to the Vhdehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, inhaling crisp, cold air triggers vasoconstriction - a process where blood vessels narrow, reducing swelling and clearing mucus from the nasal passages and lungs. Parents in Scandinavia swear by this practice for one big reason: babies sleep longer and more deeply outside. Image: King Kid/TikTok This natural response not only helps the body fight off infections but also creates a powerful immune system boost. In a time when many are seeking ways to ward off illness, could a bracing dip or a cold-weather jog be part of the solution? The origins of this tradition date back to the early 20th century, when Iceland was grappling with a tuberculosis epidemic. Poorly ventilated homes were linked to the spread of the disease, prompting Icelandic Dr David Thorsteinsson to advocate for letting children nap outside in strollers. His theory was simple: cold, fresh air would help keep children healthy. Today, this practice is so ingrained in Nordic culture that it's common to see prams parked outside homes, cafes, and even businesses with sleeping babies bundled up against the chill. A Finnish study in 2008 backed up this belief, finding that babies who napped outdoors slept longer than those who napped indoors. In a Daily Mail post, Pediatrician Dr Jennifer Shu, however, warns that babies' temperatures can drop four times faster than adults, making hypothermia a real risk. Napping outside helps babies develop a healthy circadian rhythm. Image: King Kid/TikTok Nordic parents mitigate this by bundling their children in layers of wool and windproof clothing while keeping a close eye on baby monitors. In many Nguni cultures, newborns and their mothers are kept indoors for extended periods to safeguard their health. Visitors are often discouraged for six months, ensuring the baby's delicate immune system is not overwhelmed. Historically, various cultures have prioritised nutrition, natural remedies, and practices aimed at ensuring both the physical and emotional wellbeing of mothers and babies. #paediatricpt #paediatricot #strongbaby #babyexercises #babyhack #newborn #babyexercise #nappychange #sensoryintegration #babysleepingoutside #babyplay #motordevelopment #montessoriparenting #montessori #outsidebabysleep #babytips #babydevelopment ♬ original sound - Develobaby @develobaby 🎈IN DENMARK BABIES SLEEP OUTSIDE🎈 I know this might seem a bit controversial to some of you, while it is completely normal to others of you. My home country, Denmark, is very safe, so almost everyone leaves their baby to sleep outside for naps during the day. People who live in the cities often leave their babies in the backyard of their apartment building even if they live on the fourth floor, and it's not at all frowned upon. On the contrary. You would more likely see frowning if someone was to claim that their baby never sleeps outside. Sleeping outside in all weather is considered very healthy here. Denmark is very cold in the winters, so you might think that we bring our babies in to sleep inside the house during winter. But no, babies sleep outside in all weather! Also, it is very common to see strollers parked outside cafés and restaurants with babies lying inside them. Disclaimers: ❗️Babies of course sleep inside during the nights. ❗️There are specific sleeping bags and woolen clothes designed for this so the babies are never cold. ❗️Newborns sleep inside until they are at least 4 kilograms and 14 days old ❗️The Danish Heath Department advice that babies don't sleep outside if its below 10 °C ❗️There is always a baby monitor next to the baby, so the parents know exactly when their baby is awake and needs attention and cuddles again. ❗️Babies don't get kidnapped from their strollers in Denmark. The last case happened in 1952. What do you think about this? With love, Maria ♥️ . . . . #Babypt
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
5 Surprising health benefits of cold weather
I'll be honest: when winter rolls in, I'm usually the first to wrap myself in a thick blanket and daydream about Cape summers. But what if I told you that embracing the chill could actually transform your wellbeing? It's a mindset that's gaining traction globally and South Africans are uniquely positioned to reap these rewards. When we think of winter in South Africa, we conjure up images of misty mornings in the Cape, frost-tipped lawns in our homes, and those endless, blue-sky days that beg for a mug of rooibos. But beneath the surface discomfort, science reveals a hidden treasure trove of health benefits in the cold. 1. Sharper minds in chilly weather It sounds counterintuitive, but studies have found our brains operate faster at colder temperatures. A 2017 study in the journal Thinking & Reasoning found that people performed better with mental tasks in cool environments, linking brisk air to improved concentration and cognitive speed. Next time you're stuck in a winter work slump, try a brisk walk outside, science is on your side. 2. Nature's detox, clearing out the lungs Here's something rarely discussed: cold air is a natural cleanser for your respiratory system. According to the Vhdehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, inhaling crisp air helps clear mucus from your lungs and nasal passages by triggering your body's vasoconstriction response. This reduces inflammation and can even help stave off infection - a natural immune boost you won't find in a pill. 3. Burn more calories effortlessly Winter is not just for comfort food. Research from Harvard Health shows that our bodies expend more energy to keep warm, which means you're burning extra calories just by being outside. In other words: that evening stroll through your neighbourhood, bundled up in your favourite beanie, is doing double duty for your waistline. 4. Sleep better, stress less There's a reason animals hibernate. Cold weather nudges us toward deeper sleep, giving our bodies time to repair and reset. Sleep scientists at the Sleep Foundation have found that lower bedroom temperatures can improve both the quality and length of your rest. Pair that with the slower pace of winter life, and you've got a recipe for lower stress and improved mental health. 5. Cleaner air, fewer allergies Winter in South Africa brings a drop in pollen counts and fewer pesky insects. With less dust and allergens swirling around, you're less likely to suffer sneezing fits or allergic reactions. Take advantage of this "clean air season" by heading outdoors, whether for a hike or a simple wander through your local park.
