DEAM LAKE
New York City in 2008, Jenna learned of a group of people meeting the next day at Coney Island for a dip in the water. The Coney Island Polar Bears are a charitable club with member dues and a 12 dips per season requirement to join. Jenna met her member requirements doing a two-hour door to beach trip across New York. Where I am a worshipper of the sun and summer, Jenna is my polar opposite. She thrives in the cold weather and is co-responsible for bringing Santa Con to Louisville in December and jumping in frigid waters all winter long. The coldest water Jenna has been in was 36 degrees, and the group has broken up ice to get to the water in the past. Luckily for me, the day I dipped was unusually warm and sunny out.
Many cultures around the world have been practicing cold water plunging for centuries. Dipping in cold water was all the rage during the Victorian era as an exhilarating way to start the day. Research and modern science tell us that there are many health benefits, too. Any Google search will include numerous medical and health professionals extolling the virtues of taking an ice bath, none of
AS A MOODY,
ARTHRITIC PERSON OBSESSED WITH HIS WEIGHT AND SCARED OF DOING NEW OR UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS, THIS PLUNGE SEEMED TO BE JUST WHAT I NEEDED.
which are lost on Kara and Jenna. Studies show that cold water stimulates the release of cytokines, a substance vital to immune systems. Cold water is known to reduce pain and inflammation by releasing endorphins in a more immersive way that is similar to the effects of an ice pack. There is even evidence that the cold water helps with weight loss by increasing adrenaline and causing your body to burn sugar. Mental benefits abound as well as research shows the cold water activates sensory nerves leading to the brain, greatly improving mood and leaving you with a feeling of elation and accomplishment.
Health and mental benefits aside, the duo ascertain that other important benefits of taking the plunge is to test your willpower, and training yourself to face your fears can be a practice. Kara knows if she can walk out into icy waters for a sustained amount of time, she can do anything she puts her mind to doing. They both agree one of the greatest benefits they both get out of meeting every Sunday is the camaraderie of the group of people that join, sharing tea and stories, and supporting
Your Dream
Team
enTerTainmenT Visual elemenTs eVenT managemenT auDio lighTing sTaging
Contact Brent Rogers( 502-693-6089) for a consultation www. supdjs. com- Jeffersonville, IN
APRIL / MAY 2018: EXTOL 27