Community health – helping each other

Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi explores the health benefits of night swimming and group sessions

This month I had the privilege of delivering lifestyle medicine sessions to the public through my local council, including a group of teenagers at a youth centre where we discussed vaping, an increasingly important health concern in this age group. It was encouraging to see how engaged they were, both in learning and in trying to beat me at pool! Youth centres remain invaluable spaces where young people can safely connect, and it’s vital we continue to support them.

I also spent time with individuals living with respiratory conditions, focusing on practical, achievable ways to improve quality of life. In my experience, group consultations are one of the most effective tools for driving meaningful change. They shift the focus away from simply delivering information towards empowerment, connection and sustained behaviour change, helping people feel seen, heard and supported in managing long-term conditions.

Night swimming – are there any health benefits?

Night swimming offers a unique physiological and psychological experience that goes beyond the usual benefits of coldwater immersion.

Darkness reduces visual cues, heightening reliance on body awareness and neuromuscular control, which can subtly improve over time. Exposure to darkness supports natural melatonin release, potentially promoting better sleep post swim, provided the experience is calming rather than overly stimulating.

For many, the sensory simplicity of night water, quiet, dark and immersive, can offer a rare form of cognitive “switch off,” distinct from daytime exercise.

A full moon swim

I spoke with coach Corinne from my local triathlon coaching company Do3 Coaching about their standout event of the open water season: the fluorescent full moon night swim. She explained that the idea was born from noticing how peaceful and beautiful the lake became after darkness fell following evening sessions.

Swimmers are treated to magical, fairy-lit paths and lanterns glowing in the trees before donning UV-reactive face paint and making their way to the water with hat lights and illuminated tow floats. Corinne told me it’s the unique blend of atmosphere, community and a sense of adventure that makes it so special, adding that one of her favourite moments is hearing the chatter and laughter echo across the water.

She reassures first-timers that there is plenty of support, with enhanced safety measures and a welcoming group always happy to help newcomers feel at ease. Her advice is simple: don’t approach it as a performance swim. Instead, make your goal to soak up the experience – enjoy the lights, the company and the beauty of the moonlit water.

Tip of the month:

With night swimming it’s worth being a little more mindful than you would in daylight.

• Lower light can make it easier to lose your bearings or misjudge footing
• Cooler conditions mean it can take longer to notice when you’re getting cold

Take a few simple precautions to enjoy it safely: time to acclimatise, good lighting and try to swim with others.