This Week's Progress

During my time spent with the Coney Island Polar Bear Club members, I have seen this trend in the rising number of participants due to the so called medical benefits winter swimming offers.

Doctor Fred Notarnicola took the time to speak to me about the medical advantages and disadvantages of such winter swimming. I was expecting to find him tell me about how these people are onto something, as the benefits out weigh the risks. However, I found quite the opposite.

Dr. Notarnicola explained to me that although winter swimming is beneficial to one's immune system, the participants are open to various medical dangers.

Although many participants take the plunge to suppress various aches and pain, some suffering from arthritis, Dr. Notarinicola stated that the only benefits the cold water has on arthritis is the numbing effect the cold water gives. Once the person leaves the water, they are actually making the arthritis worse.



Although it does not pertain to "Changing New York",  I have been in contact with David Li De, who has been winter swimming for twelve-years, after being diagnosed with HIV. As far as he knows, he as been the only HIV patient in all of Beijing, if not China who has no complications or any further developments of his illness.

He began winter swimming in 1997 in the natural river and lakes in Beijing. At that time there was no medicine for HIV in China. He met Doctor "R"  who claimed winter swimming cured his hepatitis, believing that this sport is a good way to enhance the immune system.

 "I never lose faith with conquering HIV.  Every day we swam in the cold water and cold wind outside, it could not be persevere without attic faith. So now my body is in very good condition with no symptoms. So I suggest all the people join this sport especially HIVers," Li De stated. 


"Winter swimming is a kind of sport which is very much good for mental and body healthy, I suggest everybody join us," he added.


I have reached out to Therese Caserta, a Polar Bear Club member, who was advised to continue her weekly winter swimming by her doctor, even after a serious surgery. I have plans to interview her over this weekend.


I am also tracking down the previous President of the Polar Bear Club and get some feedback on him on how the club used to be as far as organization, politics, and members.