What's Up Docs? Do hot and cold therapies work?
Nov 18, 2025
Dr. Heather Massey, an Associate Professor at the University of Portsmouth and a seasoned cold-water swimmer, shares her expertise on thermoregulation and its implications for health. She discusses how our bodies maintain core temperature and dives into the physiological mechanisms behind hot and cold therapies. Heather examines the potential benefits of sauna use, cautions about safety for certain individuals, and highlights enjoyable alternatives to extreme temperature exposure, all while emphasizing a balanced approach to health.
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Listener Pressure On The Mouse Problem
- Xand and Chris share a running joke about Chris's house mice and listeners' responses urging humane traps.
- The hosts used listener feedback to prompt practical action on pest control.
A Mile In Arctic Conditions
- Heather Massey described her most extreme challenge: swimming 1 km in 0.4°C water with -14°C air while medically supervised.
- She emphasised heavy safety cover including two doctors and a diver during that swim.
Core Temperature Is Tightly Regulated
- The human body tightly maintains deep core temperature around 36.5–37°C via the hypothalamus and peripheral thermosensors.
- This homeostasis protects cellular proteins and normal function from temperature swings.