Cold water dipping

By Liv Wilson

It’s about time you started Cold Water Dipping isn’t it?

You’d not be too far off thinking almost everyone is cold water dipping these days! Over the past couple of years, throwing yourself into bracing waters has been on the rise and now there are an enormous amount of people reducing their stress levels and boosting their immune systems (and their libido) by taking the plunge! As winter starts to disappear and the warmer Spring mornings approach, perhaps it’s finally time for you to give it a go. Whilst cold water dipping is fun, it’s important that you take it seriously and understand exactly what you need to be safe. Hypothermia is a real risk and beginners should only dip in cold, open waters for very short periods of time and ensure they have the correct accessories to warm back up afterwards. Here are a few things you’ll need to get your natural high, have fun and stay safe!!

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3mm Glove RRP $49.99

No we’re not mad. It’s crazy how much easier it is to get in amongst the cold waves if your hands are warm! These cold water surfing and swimming gloves are designed for even the chilliest of mornings and are, in my opinion, more important than a hood!

Toasty Life Ultra Warm Fleece Lined Weatherproof Jacket RRP $289.00

This outdoor changing robe is key to getting warm fast. Buy a size up so that you can change whilst inside it and you’ll thank your lucky stars! Its thick, soft, moisture wicking fleece acts as a blanket to keep your core warm and dry even during the coldest months.

Adrenalin Women’s Wahine Long Sleeve Suit RRP $159.99

If you think you’ll need a wetty (not everyone does), this super stretchy and lightweight suit is perfect for swimming and dipping, providing protection and warmth without restricting your movement. Awesome because a bit of floundering around is a must!

Body Glove Heavy Duty Dry Bag RRP$39.99

You can just as easily use a ‘bag for life’ but hey, if you want to look the part then these dry bags are awesome. Pop all your things inside and they’re guaranteed to keep your towel and clothes dry whilst you’re busy getting wet! Itiwit Waterproof Large Phone Pouch RRP $15.00

What’s the point in dipping if there’s no evidence you did it right? You’ll be so glad you invested in one of these when you’re bobbing around in the waves.

Speedo Long Hair Cap RRP $17

If you’ve got long hair and you’re considering daily dipping, this cap will be your new best friend. Not only does it keep your luscious locks bone dry and salt free, it also acts as another layer under a beanie and stops the wind getting to your ears!! (You’re welcome.)

Aussie Gold Floating Thermometer RRP $9.00

Don’t trust the weatherman, get yourself your own thermometer! This is what will score you your bragging rights. “It was only 8 degrees mum!”

Kmart 1.5L Vacuum Flask RRP $21.00

A flask full of warm tea or hot coffee will be the icing on the cake whilst you’re sitting waterside post dip. Filling the flask with clean warm water is also handy to pour over very cold toes. **Make sure it’s tepid and not hot otherwise you may burn yourself!

Target Women’s Sidney II Slipper Boots RRP $20

Covering your cold toes in talcum powder and sliding them into warm fur lined boots will be a pleasure like no other on cold days! Choose a size bigger so you can add chunky woolly socks too.

The key to keeping safe is to limit the time you spend in the water until you have acclimatized and get dry and dressed quickly when you get out. Now, go out there and wrap yourself in those gorgeous salty waves! Top tip: Wool is best for getting warm, so invest in a good woolly hat, thick woolly socks and a great pair of gloves.

VACCINATION 101

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s greatest experiences. From feeling those first few kicks, to setting up a nursery and to buying your first pram - planning for your new baby to arrive into the world can be very exciting, but it can also be daunting. Particularly when it comes to protecting your child, and family as a whole, against illness.

One of the best ways to ensure your child is as protected as possible is through vaccinations, but the understandable reality given the past few years is that some parents are anxious about doing this. In fact, new research from Amcal revealed that almost one in four Australian parents feel anxious about getting their family vaccinated^. This is a feeling that mum and paediatrician, Sarah Arachchi, can relate to...

“As a first time mum, I remember all too well, the fear that grappled me as I wanted to cocoon my newborn and protect him from the world around him.”

“I remember my newborn’s first vaccinations and holding him tight as he let out a loud squeal as the needle went in. It hurt in my heart when he cried and I wished there was another way but I knew that the vaccinations would protect him.” When it comes to coping with the anxiety of vaccinations, the best thing you can do is to be prepared. Understanding what vaccinations you and your children need to get is a great way to do this but according to Amcal’s research, almost half of Aussie parents don’t know what vaccinations their children need to get and when^. Amcal pharmacist, Angela Boyatzis, says that vaccinations are something parents need to start thinking about from the moment they conceive.

“Planning for bubs vaccinations should start before they have even arrived. If you’re planning a pregnancy, you should check that you’re up-to-date with all your routine and seasonal vaccinations.

During pregnancy, the Australian Department of Health advises you receive both the flu and whooping cough vaccinations as well as COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s because infants under six months are too young to receive the flu vaccination, so the best way to protect your newborn before then is to receive a flu vaccination during pregnancy.” And it’s not just mum who needs to consider vaccinations before bub’s arrival…

“One of the most important steps in keeping your baby protected is ensuring that anyone who will be around them as a newborn is also up-to-date with their vaccinations. This includes other parents, grandparents, family, and friends – the sky’s the limit! It’s particularly important for all visitors to be vaccinated against whooping cough, which can be deadly to newborns until they’re vaccinated themselves, plus flu and COVID-19,” Angela said. Asking friends and family to be up-to-date with their vaccinations can be intimidating but, as the protector of your children, Sarah says that others should respect your decisions and understand that it’s your job to be their voice.

“You should be able to choose who can visit your newborn baby and place some guidelines around visitors as a newborn baby generally has a weaker immune system and most reasonable people will understand and appreciate this. This may mean waiting

As children are now requiring more vaccinations due to COVID-19 and influenza, we know that dealing with their fears can be difficult but after many years of coaching parents through these experiences and as a mum herself, Sarah has some helpful tips for making it through.

a bit longer before taking your newborn out to a large gathering or choosing outdoor events that are less crowded.”

When it comes to getting children vaccinated themselves, it’s not surprising that many children (and parents themselves) can experience some fear and stress. Angela says that misconceptions about vaccinations can cause parents to feel apprehensive about routine children’s vaccinations but it’s important to remember that they are proven to be one of the safest and most effective public health interventions in history.

“Probably the biggest misconception we see from parents and patients alike is that if we experience aches or pains as response to the vaccination, we think we have got the ‘disease’ we are being vaccinated against, whereas it’s actually just a sign that our immune system is responding to the vaccination as hoped! These side effects are typical of many vaccines and usually resolve within two days,” 1. Firstly, it is a great idea to talk to your child about the vaccine beforehand and how it will help to protect them (like a superpower). 2. Secondly, taking a second parent or grandparent in can be super useful in case your child becomes distressed or scared. 3. Thirdly, I usually tell my kids that the needle will sting. A lot of the time, we say “It won’t hurt”, but we all know that injections sting and can be painful. It’s important to be honest with kids as it helps to develop trust. 4. Finally, during the actual injection, sit them on your knee as it helps to give cuddles afterwards and use lots of distraction (yes this is the one time where an episode of Bluey is useful!). A lollipop or reward afterwards is also a great idea.”

^Research conducted among 1,025 Australian adults by the Online Research Unit in March 2022, commissioned by Amcal Pharmacy. www.amcal.com.au/vaccinations