Siberia has drawn attention with a winter routine described as a way to stay healthy during the cold season. At a local kindergarten associated with No. 317, students and teachers reportedly wear swimsuits or light underwear and step into the chilly pre-dawn air. The day begins with a sequence that alternates between cold exposure and warmth, a pattern repeated for several minutes before the day’s meals. Supporters say the ritual helps prevent flu and other winter illnesses.
This routine includes a cold shower, a dash outdoors in bare feet and thin clothing, and the pouring of freezing water over the head. After each cold moment, participants enter a steaming sauna for a short period, then return outside for another round. The entire operation is framed as a morning activity around 7:30, designed to fit into the schedule before breakfast.
The claim behind the ritual is that consistent cold exposure trains the body to fend off infections and boosts appetite for the day ahead. In conversations with families and school staff, some assert that the practice improves energy levels and mood and that children adapt to the cold with little discomfort.
Participation is not automatic. The program runs only after a three-year training period paired with medical examinations. If a parent declines, the child does not take part. Among those who participate, many families express broad support, while others prefer to keep their children away from the routine until more evidence is available.
Experts outside the school community urge caution. They note that there is no solid independent proof that cold-water exposure and sauna cycles prevent illness in children. Health professionals warn about risks, including sudden shifts in temperature, dehydration, and stress to developing bodies.
Opinions among parents and observers differ. Some view the routine as a regional tradition reflecting resilience in harsh climates; others worry about safety and question the scientific basis for illness prevention claims.
The story highlights a broader conversation about health ideas in winter, especially in remote regions where extreme weather shapes daily life. While the ritual is described by supporters as helpful, it remains a subject of debate and scrutiny by health authorities.
Readers are invited to consider the information critically and to weigh personal comfort, safety, and scientific evidence when evaluating unconventional wellness practices in school settings.