Why stroke chances are high in bathrooms

Guarding Against Bathroom Strokes: A Soak-Safe Guide

Toba Akande
3 min readOct 23, 2023
Image by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Imagine your bathroom as your private oasis, a place where you find solace and tranquillity. Yet, beneath the surface of serenity, there may be hidden health hazards. Surprisingly, strokes are more likely to occur in the bathroom than you might imagine. In this article, I’ll dive into the science behind this phenomenon and share essential rules for a safer, more health-conscious bathing experience.

Let's start with the science.

You might have noticed that when we begin our daily bathing ritual, we often make a seemingly innocent mistake – soaking our head and hair first.

This simple act, however, can be quite risky.

When water cascades over your head, it causes a rush of blood to the area, potentially increasing the risk of arteries tearing apart. This sudden change in blood circulation can result in strokes, making you more susceptible to accidents.

Startling Discoveries

Intriguingly, a recent report published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Canada has unveiled the true risks associated with bathing. It reveals that the dangers we once associated with strokes or mini-strokes during bathing are not only real but also far more dangerous and long-lasting than we had previously believed.

The next question is, how prevalent are these risks?

Studies from various corners of the world indicate a disturbing surge in the number of deaths and cases of paralysis resulting from strokes during baths. Medical professionals emphasise the importance of adhering to specific bathing guidelines to effectively reduce these risks.

The Art of Safe Bathing

Now, let's delve into the practical aspect of ensuring a safe bath. The key lies in understanding your body's internal temperature regulation.

Our bodies need time to adapt to external temperature changes. Pouring water over your head prematurely disrupts this process and increases the risk of stroke due to a sudden surge in blood circulation.

So, how can you ensure a safe bath? Especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or migraine, here's the recommended approach:

Step 1: Begin by soaking your feet. 
Step 2: Gradually allow the water to flow upwards over your body. 
Step 3: Ensure your body fully acclimates to the water's temperature. 
Step 4: Only when you've fully adjusted should you gently water your head.

This method minimises the risk of sudden blood pressure spikes, which could otherwise lead to damage to brain arteries.

Sharing the Knowledge

Safety isn't just about personal care; it's also about safeguarding the well-being of our loved ones, especially our elderly parents and relatives. Sharing this valuable knowledge can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and healthy bathing experience for everyone.

Conclusion

Your daily bath should be a source of relaxation and well-being. By understanding the potential risks associated with bathing and following these straightforward guidelines, you can make your daily ritual not just more relaxing but also safer. So, remember to start with your feet, gradually work your way up, and water your head last, effectively minimising the risk of bathroom-related strokes. Together, let's create a secure bathing environment for ourselves and our cherished family members.

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Toba Akande

Master of sarcasm, keeping my profound thoughts safely contained in words. Serious issues? I address them with a twist