cold

Cold shower is as useless as early

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In recent years, some of the welfare and productivity gurus seem to have proposed torture their followers with the most inhuman torments. First was the fashion of getting up at five in the morning to complete An endless ritual. Now, the new fashion is to make immersions in ice water every morning with the excuse of relieving stress, reducing inflammation and strengthening defenses. Science has already dismantled the supposed benefits of get up at five, And now it is the turn of the icy water baths. Researchers from the University of Southern Australia They have not found evidence Of the miracles that the gurus attribute to this practice. The Influencers of the cold. In recent years, polar baths, also known as dives in cold water have won Huge popularity. Elite athletes and professional players like LeBron James, immerse themselves in ice water baths behind competitions. Even Gwyneth Paltrow dedicated one of the episodes of Your series The Goop Lab to show the alleged therapeutic benefits of immersing yourself in frost waters. That trend has become popular reaching all kinds of people who only seek general welfare or simply reduce stress levels. Social networks and influencersThey have attributed multiple benefits to physical and mental health to these bathrooms. However, science has wanted to verify whether the dives in ice water are as beneficial as social networks have made us believe. Bathing is fine, the temperature is optional. The researchers from the University of Australia del Sur decided to scientifically evaluate the alleged benefits of soaking in ice water. For this they carried out a meta -analysis of 11 global studies, whose results were Published in Plos One. For the analysis, the dives and cold showers were used with temperatures between 7 and 15 ºC for a time range between 30 seconds and two hours. Although some benefits attributed to this practice were identified in the results, the researchers discovered that existing evidence focuses mainly on athletes and not on the general population. Forget the cure for stress. The researchers assured in their report that the effects of the dives in ice water against stress were not the announced “we discovered that immersion in cold water could reduce stress levels, but only for about 12 hours after exposure.” That is, no evidence of the immersions in ice water was observed have an immediate effect on stress levels, or an appreciable long -term effect. “We noticed that the participants who took cold showers of 20, 60 or 90 seconds granted slightly higher quality of life. But again, after three months these effects had disappeared,” the researchers explained in their report. What does not take away your dream, makes you stronger. Nor were the results in the improvement of sleep quality. The study found links between the improvements in sleep quality and dives in cold water, although this conclusion was based on limited data exclusively to men, which, which Claim more research in various population groups. The researchers did not venture to ensure that the dives in cold water could have a positive effect on the immune system because, although it is true that a 29 % reduction in labor absences Related to diseases among those who took cold showers, no significant improvements were recorded in the immediate immune response to exposure to cold. These data indicate that, although there are possible advantages in exposure to ice water, the effects of this exposure are not consistent or durable, which doubts the generalized efficacy that the gurus attribute. The “Agujeta” of the cold. Among the most amazing findings made by Australian researchers is the inflammatory response to dives in cold water. Contrary to popular belief, instead of reducing inflammation, baths in ice water caused “significant increases in inflammation,” both immediately and an hour later. According to the researchers, this reflects an “acute inflammatory response” of the body to the stress caused by the cold. In the words of the study co -author, Ben Singh, “this immediate peak in inflammation is part of a process of adaptation similar to muscle damage caused by exercise, which subsequently strengthens the muscles.” That is, like bosples, this adaptive effect can be positive for athletes from High physical performancebut Singh stressed that it could be harmful to people with some pre -existing pathology. In other words, unless you have just participated in an Olympic test, shower with cold water alone Your productivity will improve in which the sense that it will take less to shower and you can Dedicate that time To other tasks. In Xataka | In 1947 the Yukón reached -63ºC. So a scientist began to listen to conversations five kilometers away Image | Pexels (Olavi Antila)

We prepare for the cold

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Beyond The controversy about whether the “eastern beast” It is really a beast or caniche, the models begin to clear many of the doubts we had about next weekend. And they are good news for Cold lovers U bad for everything else. What is the “Beast of the East”? In 2018, A huge temporary ice and snow frozen Much of continental Europe and the British islands. It was then when The name of “Eastern Beast” slipped among the terms used by the media to talk about phenomena similar to that (independently of its intensity). So are we going to a historical stage of cold and snow? No, the truth is that no. It is an “eastern beast” because the mechanism is, more or less, the same: an anticyclonic bridge that connects several areas of high pressures and blocks the casualty movement from the Atlantic to the continent. Basically, we talk about a wall that goes from Scandinavia to Africa following the coastline. That will cause a curious phenomenon: that a mass of polar air moves from the northeast European to the southwest; that is, towards Spain. And what will happen? This type of situation They are difficult to model And, therefore, there are doubts about what their real reach will finally. In fact, now it seems that the dough will not penetrate too much into the peninsular territory. However, that does not mean that you will not put the national meteorology upside down. What we can expect. At the level of rainfall, there are certain doubts: the mass of air comes from central Europe and is very dry. However, on your trip you can generate cold danas or storms that “Incebilize” the situation. The problem is that we will not know until the last moment: it depends on the final configuration, we will have more or less rain. What we have any doubt is that we are about to live a full -fledged winter episode. Nothing historical, not a cold wave: but yesterday nights. These days Let’s suffer some very cold nights in which the majority of the innerior capitals will have negative temperatures. Frost during the weekend They will be extended through the north and peninsular center and can be strong (or very strong) in high areas. What we should not expect. Despite the name, we must not expect a cold wave: neither for intensity, nor by extension, nor by duration. The cold that comes will be anomalous (because winters are getting warmer), but not exceptional. Image | ECMWFF In Xataka | There is something that joins the gigantic calima of 2022 with the nuclear trials of the twentieth century and is called France

18 ways to wear a scarf, the accessory that fuses style and warmth on very cold days

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The scarves have been consolidated as the essential accessory to elevate our winter looks, combining functionality and elegance. Their history dates back to Ancient Rome, where they were used mainly for cleaning, known as focal either sudarium. Back then, men wore them tied to their belts or around their necks to dry sweat during hot days. Interestingly, Queen Nefertiti of Egypt, in the 13th century BC, was one of the first to make a headscarf, establishing a precedent in the use of this type of garment as part of the outfit. Over time, upper-class women adopted scarves, making them from silk and other refined fabrics, and turning them into symbol of status and sophistication. Nowadays, the scarf has evolved and has adapted to various fashions and styles, being a key piece in any fashion lover’s wardrobe. © Getty Images Over the years, the scarf has evolved beyond its original function, being an essential element not only for its ability to shelter, but also for its versatility as a fashion accessory. In winter it offers the necessary protection against freezing air, keeping our neck and chest warm. In addition, there are light scarves that, on sunny days, can protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Big scarves are perfect to combat extreme cold, while light scarves or scarves They add a touch of elegance to any outfit all year round. Once you try these ways to carry itit will be difficult for you to imagine yourself without it these next few months. 118 © Getty Images The basic one you can start with Nothing like a classic gray scarf, large and warm to look divine and not get cold. Being such a simple accessory, it can complement any look, from jeans with a leather jacket and loafers, to an elegant party dress with a coat and heels. It is an essential that you should have in your closet, since it remains current season after season. 218 © Getty Images Scarves maxi One of the standout trends for 2025 is the use of oversized clothing and accessories, known as chunky either maxi. This trend manifests itself in a variety of fashion elements, including jewelry and blazers even scarves. In particular, a scarf of this style can instantly transform a look, although it is recommended to opt for neutral colors to facilitate its versatility. 318 © Getty Images With matching sweater In the world of fashion, one of the most appreciated skills is the successful combination of clothes, especially. If these share the same material and color, a resounding success is guaranteed. However, finding a scarf that exactly matches a sweater can be difficult, so this technique is also often used with neutral tones. In the image, a long, wide chocolate brown knit scarf is worn around the neck, as if it were a cape, combined with a short wool sweater with matching ribbed trims. 418 © Getty Images A total look cream with details If you love the idea of ​​dressing in a single color and usually opt for light tones, this cream-toned set will conquer you. The proposal of a total look It consists of betting on a single color and adding outstanding details through accessories. In the image, you can see a style that consists of a white t-shirt, a pleated skirt, a blazer and an Hermès sweater that ties around the neck, like a scarf. This last accessory adds a very touch chic and preppy. The color accent was provided by her high brown boots, from Jimmy Choo, and a bag. Birkin, also in brown, which generates a nice contrast. 518 © Getty Images A sweater as a scarf An option when you don’t have scarves that coordinate with your look, as we show you in the previous image, is to tie a sweater around your neck. It is a practical and quick alternative, ideal for those moments when you urgently need to cover your neck. Additionally, the part of the jersey that would normally cover the body will also protect your back, giving you additional warmth in that area. 618 © Getty Images The tartan print, ideal for winter Tartan has made a strong comeback this season, and although it has never completely disappeared, it has reaffirmed itself with great presence this winter. The first signs of this phenomenon were observed during Paris Fashion Week, in September 2024. An attendee at the Loewe show opted for a set of tartan jacket and pantsboth garments from the brand led by Jonathan Anderson. In addition, she added a black scarf that coordinated ideally with the coat, also black, thus achieving a harmonious and elegant look. 718 © Getty Images Neck scarves In addition to scarves, bandanas remain a popular choice for adorning our necks and protecting our throats. For those who are not so cold, scarves are a perfect alternative: they are usually thinner, colorful and with varied prints. They are ideal to wear around your neck, hanging from your bag or even as a belt. If the temperatures are not very low or you are one of those who feel very hot when entering a closed place, opt for this light and silky option, instead of a scarf. 818 © Getty Images A monochromatic style One option to improve your style is to play with the colors of your scarf: you can opt for a contrasting color that breaks the lines of your outfit or, on the contrary, use a single color palette for a cohesive look. In the image, we see a clear example: an outfit consisting of a lilac sweater, jeans and a light scarf in the same pastel tone, which follows the line of that knitted top. It is an easy and successful strategy for women who have little time in the morning and do not want to spend a long time thinking about different combinations. 918 © Getty Images Burgundy, the color of the season If what you really want is to stand out … Read more

Winter storm spreads across southern US with ice and snow

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NEW ORLEANS— A massive storm of snow, sleet and freezing rain hit the southern United States on Wednesday, setting new records for snowfall and exposing the region to unaccustomed winter joys and dangers. From Texas and extending south to Florida and the North Carolina coast, snow and sleet caused ice accumulation in cities New Orleans, Atlanta and Jacksonville, Florida. In Alabama, the weight of the snow caused the dome of the Mobile Civic Center to collapse, which is scheduled for demolition to make way for a new arena for sporting events. At least eight deaths were attributed to the storm as temperatures settled below freezing with even colder wind chills. The arctic air also turned much of the north-central and eastern parts of the country into a freezer, causing hundreds of flights to be cancelled. Government offices remained closed, as did classrooms for more than a million students who are more accustomed to hurricane evacuations than snow days. New Englanders know what to do on days like these: Terry Fraser of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, didn’t have his windshield snow removal tool with him when he went out to visit his granddaughter in Brunswick, Georgia, so he used the card from a discount store to remove snow and ice from his rental van in a frozen hotel parking lot. “This is what we do up north when you don’t have a scraper,” Fraser said. “Hey, it works.” In Tallahassee, Florida, the Holmes family set their alarms for the early hours of Wednesday and headed out in search of a snow-covered slope before it melted. Layla, 9, and Rawley, 12, used what they had: their surfboards. “You have to be creative in Florida!” said mom, Alicia Holmes. Anchorage wants its snow backThe record 10 inches (25 centimeters) of snowfall in New Orleans more than doubled the snowfall Anchorage, Alaska, has received since early December, the National Weather Service said. “We would like our snow back,” the weather service office in Anchorage joked in a post on the social network X. “Or at least some King Cake in return.” Anchorage was also warmer Wednesday morning than New Orleans, Atlanta, Jacksonville or Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the weather service. Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are forecast to persist in the southern region of the country on Thursday morning, with widespread frost in some places through the weekend, the weather service said. The thermometer is expected to return above freezing on Thursday in places such as New Orleans, and by Friday in Tallahassee and the coast of the Carolinas. Interstate highway closures Snow and ice also forced road closures, including a several-mile stretch of Interstate 10. Causeways and bridges crossing the Louisiana marshes were particularly prone to frost. “Louisiana, if you can, just hang in there,” Gov. Jeff Landry said, warning that Tuesday’s “magical” snow day would turn dangerous Wednesday as conditions worsened. In Charleston, South Carolina, it took crews nearly 16 hours to reopen traffic along the massive 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) Ravenel Bridge, which carries about 100,000 vehicles a day. Icy conditions plagued drivers in Georgia, where authorities responded to more than 1,000 calls for help. Who needs a beach when there’s snow?Some people took advantage of the Ravenel Bridge’s steep overpasses and turned them into makeshift sledding tracks. On the Outer Banks, children slid down snow-covered sand dunes near where the Wright Brothers made their first flight, while adults attempted to navigate waist-deep drifts of snow at Kitty’s Pier. Hawk. One ferry system suspended service between the barrier islands. “Maybe every 10 years we get a good snowfall like this,” said Ryan Thibodeau, 38, co-owner of Carolina Designs Realty, a vacation rental company. The storm that triggered the first blizzard warnings for some locations along the Texas and Louisiana coast also blanketed the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Pensacola Beach, Florida. Snow covering the South Carolina sand from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach created more opportunities to convert surf gear into sleds. “It didn’t have the speed of a sled,” Alex Spiotta said as his family rode a boogie board on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. “But in the south, you have to use whatever you have.” Other things that were used as sleds were: a laundry basket in Montgomery, Alabama; a pool tube in Houston; and kayaks, cardboard boxes and alligator inflatables on the Mississippi River levees in Louisiana. A vehicle was dragging a skier down a street in Pensacola, Florida. In Metairie, Louisiana, several nuns were having fun throwing snowballs at a priest. Flight cancellations and fatalitiesNearly 2,000 flights were canceled in the United States and another 2,300 were postponed as of midday Wednesday, according to the website FlightAware.com. The unprecedented demand for electricity to stay warm was met by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which provides power to more than 10 million customers in seven states, and PJM Interconnection, which operates the 13-state grid. But more than 100,000 families were without power in the Mid-Atlantic region Wednesday morning, according to the website PowerOutage.us. The Texas Department of Safety and Security reported that five people were killed early Tuesday when a tractor-trailer crashed into other vehicles on an icy highway southwest of San Antonio. Two people died from the cold in Austin, Texas, where emergency crews responded to more than a dozen reports of “cold exposure.” In Georgia, authorities said one person died of hypothermia. And yet the planet is warmingIn Southern California, where fires have killed at least 28 people and consumed thousands of homes, Santa Ana winds and arid conditions worsened by climate change continued to raise concerns. Although the United States, which covers approximately 2% of the planet’s land surface, experiences unusually low temperatures, the planet as a whole sets heat records. So far in 2025, the first 20 hottest days of a year on record have been experienced, according to the European climate service Copernicus, leaving last year’s mark behind, according to the data, which goes back to 1940. So far this year, U.S. … Read more

Onion soup recipe: comforts and nourishes on cold days

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Soups are ideal comfort foods for winter, such as onion soup, a typical dish for the coldest season of the year. This Classic winter meal is easy to prepare with basic ingredients like onions, broth and cheese. It is a preparation that gained popularity for being served in the Parisian market to people returning from a night out. Onion soup is a comforting, satisfying and delicious dish that combines flavors between the saltiness of the cheese and the broth and the sweet touch that the onions give. It can be served as a starter, main course or side dish. The French onion soup recipe we will share today is a version of the specialized site Comedera, made with bone broth to increase nutritional levell of this delicious soup. Tips that can help you prepare onion soup There are some practical tips that can help you make a delicious soup and to substitute some ingredients that you don’t have on hand: -For a milder flavor, choose “sweet” type onions -Gruyere cheese can be replaced with another grated yellow cheese. -A concentrated meat broth gives more flavor to the soup. -White wine can be replaced with cognac, brandy or armagnac, which should be in smaller quantities, since it has more alcohol. -The pepper must be freshly ground to provide more flavor. -You can add a splash of oil when making the sauce, to ensure that it is very well hydrated. French onion soup recipe Onion soup is a classic for cold days.Credit: Shutterstock The key to a good onion soup is in the broth, it is usually made from meat and for a more nutritious option beef bone broth is perfect. Ingredients: -5 large onions -1 clove of garlic -1 1/2 liters of meat broth -2 tablespoons wheat flour -30 milliliters of white wine -6 tablespoons of butter -150 g of grated Gruyere cheese -1 baguette bread -Salt to taste -Ground black pepper to taste Preparation mode 1.- Remove the skin from the onions and cut into long, thin strips 2.- Bring a frying pan to the heat and once it is ready, add 3 tablespoons of the butter until it melts without letting it burn. 3.- Add the onions to the pan, add salt and pepper to taste. 4.- Cook the onions until they are transparent or have a light golden color, without completely browning. Cook over low heat to ensure no browning. 5.- Add the flour to the onions and stir to integrate the ingredients. 6.- Add the white wine, mix and cook for a couple of minutes. 7.- Add the broth to the preparation, cover and cook for 25 minutes over low heat. 8.- While the soup is cooking, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. 9.- The onion broth must be checked periodically to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remember that we cover the onions with flour. 10.- Cut the bread into slices, not very thin so that they do not become moist quickly when you add them to the soup. 11.- Rub the garlic on the bread slices 12.- Grate the cheese and place on each slice of bread. 13.- After the soup has cooked, serve the soup in ovenproof bowls and place slices of bread in each one. 14.- Put the bowls in the oven at 215 degrees, until gratin, the estimated time is about 4 minutes. 15.- Remove from the oven and it is ready to enjoy. Keep reading:

The “Finnish trick” to insulate your house from the cold by hand sounds great. Has major leaks

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We all know those videos that started on Facebook and reached TikTok of fixes or repairs in less than five minutes. Some were useful, others logic itself told you that it couldn’t be like that. In this line and with the arrival of the cold, ingenuity sharpens, last winter the trick was simple: Use a plastic film that adheres to the window frame and is sealed with tape, creating an additional layer of insulation. However, they have now changed it to a Finnish trick that uses bubble wrap. Finnish trick. The trick consists of using bubble wrap as insulation for windows during winter. By spraying water on the glass and placing the smooth side of the plastic, the bubbles act as a layer of air that improves thermal insulation, reducing cold entry and heat loss. It’s a cheap and easy solution, although visibility will be somewhat blurry. You can keep it all winter if placed correctly. But is it safe or recommended? A video taken from social networks must be taken with a grain of salt, because we do not know if it really works. In this case, the trick can offer A temporary, economical and easy solution to improve the insulation in windows. In this Finnish trick, the efficiency lies in the layer of air trapped inside the bubbles, which acts as a thermal insulator. However, this method is not a long-term option and can become damaged over time if not installed properly. Along those same lines, the use of plastic and poor installation can cause humidity between the plastic and the window, favoring the appearance of mold. In addition, you have to seal the material with tape, which can cause air leaks. Although the technique may be useful as a quick or temporary solution, it should not be considered a replacement for more effective and permanent methods of isolation. Alternatives without reforms. Among the different options, the most popular is the use of thermal insulation window films, which offer a more resistant barrier to the cold without compromising visibility. These easy-to-install films cling to windows and create an insulating layer of air, but unlike bubble wrap, they are thinner and less prone to damage. In the same line is the sealing of windows and doors with weather stripping or special tapes that prevent air leaks. For their part, without the need to carry out a renovation, there are thermal curtains, which can be a simple solution to keep the heat inside the rooms, since they are designed to block the cold outside and maintain the inside temperature. Invest money. Now if your goal is to continue improving your home, then install double-glazed windows, because they offer superior insulation and reduce heat loss and the entry of outside noise. And if you are going to continue investing, another alternative is gas condensing boilers, which can reduce energy consumption while reducing CO2 emissions. The impact of plastic. While the hacks circulating on TikTok, like this one from Finland, may seem like clever and inexpensive solutions to dealing with the cold, it’s important to consider their environmental impact. Excessive use of plastic, even in small quantities, contributes to the growing waste problem. For this reason, although these ideas may be effective in the short term, we must be responsible when using it and think about the long-term environmental impact. Image | Unsplash and Unsplash Xataka | A kick forward of 75 days: the extension that Trump has granted to TikTok is pure uncertainty

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