Experts have advocated the use of warm water to bathe and wash hands, saying it helps in promoting healthy living. In an interview with a Punch correspondent, a general health practitioner, Mrs. Taiwo Balogun, said it was important for Nigerians to take their hygiene seriously.
People should imbibe the habit of washing their hands with warm water and soap after handling or touching a used face mask.
Failure to adhere to such simple instruction of washing face mask with warm water poses a great danger of getting infected,
Another physician, Dr Bukky Tikare, urged Nigerians to see a warm water bath as skin therapy, saying it helps in promoting blood circulation.
She said,
“Warm water hydrates the skin and naturally moisturizes the face. Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, but it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam.”
Also, a nutritionist, Dr Adewale Ilori, said the use of warm water to bath during cold weather lowers blood sugar.
“A warm water bath may help to lower blood sugar and burn calories. Research has shown that a warm water bath is an important measure of metabolic fitness.
“A warm water bath is good for those with heart conditions, as it helps in improving their condition; it is also good for those who don’t have heart conditions.
However, those with heart conditions must consult their physicians before embarking on a warm water bath, it is capable of raising the rate of their heartbeat. If the physician says it is safe, then it is a great way of reducing blood pressure.
“For those people that find it difficult to sleep at night, a warm water bath may change the story and ensure that they fall asleep faster.
A warm water bath is capable of relaxing the body and better prepares them to fall asleep faster. When a stressed person embarks on a warm bath, the water reduces the body temperature and relaxes the muscles.
A relaxed muscle soothes the body physically and mentally,”
Ilori said.
The nutritionist, however, warned that a 20 minutes warm bath was enough for people so that they do not fall asleep in the bathroom.
