Busy For Fun Blogs: Health

Braving sub-zero temperatures, she has thrown caution — and her clothes — to the wind to tame two beluga whales in a unique and controversial experiment.

Natalia Avseenko, 36, was persuaded to strip naked as marine experts believe belugas do not like to be touched by artificial materials such as diving suits.

The skilled Russian diver took the plunge as the water temperature hit minus 1.5 degrees Centigrade.

The beauty of nature: Like a scene from a classic pre-Raphaelite painting, naked Natalia Avseenko swims with beluga whales in the Arctic

Belugas are famed for the way in which their faces are able to convey human-like expressions. Certainly Matrena and Nilma seemed to enjoy frolicking with Natalia.

The taming of the whales happened in the Murmansk Oblast region in the far north-west of Russia at the shore of the White Sea near the Arctic Circle branch of the Utrish Dophinarium.

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An area of the sea is enclosed to stop whales and dolphins getting out and instructors tame the mammals before they are transported to dolphinariums around the world — a practice many animal conservationists consider cruel.

Belugas have a small hump on their heads used for echo-location and it was thought that there would be more chance of striking up a rapport with them without clothes as a barrier.

Breathtaking: the scientist uses yoga techniques to hold her breath for up to ten minutes at a time ask she frolics with the whales, Nilma and Matrena

Come on in, the water's lovely: The whales wait for Natalia to take the plunge, but the sub-zero waters are enough to kill most people within five minutes

The average human could die if left in sub-zero temperature sea water for just five minutes.

However, Natalia is a yoga expert and used meditation techniques to hold her breath and stay under water for an incredible ten minutes and 40 seconds.

There are around 100,000 belugas in the wild.

The first to be held in captivity was shown at Barnum's Museum in New York in 1861, and there are belugas in aquariums and sea life parks across Europe, North America and Asia.

Their large range of 'facial expressions' comes from them having a more flexible bone structure than other whales.
Certainly these two had a big smile for the naked Natalia.

Rare space: Natalia's encounters with the whales take place in an area of sea which is enclosed to stop whales and dolphins getting out

Williams syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes medical and developmental problems. Just one in 7,500 babies is born with it, but help for these tiny victims could bring help to millions who suffer from hypertension and anxiety.

Seth Link has been banging that drum kit since he was toddler. Like many with Williams syndrome, he uses music for expression.
"You have all this energy, and all this stuff, and you want to be able to experience it, you know, and to share it with other people," Seth told Ivanhoe.
A missing piece on the 7th chromosome can lead to learning disabilities and heart trouble. Other traits are extreme friendliness and empathy, to the point of being less able to detect risky situations or ill intentions in others.
Seth needed heart surgery at just 10 months old. While extremely sociable, he suffers from high anxiety. But music ... any music... soothes his soul.
"If he starts getting anxious, we can ask him to think about his favorite song or go play some beats and get him immersed in that, and it does seem to help him control his anxiety," Becky Link, Seth's mom, told Ivanhoe.
Vanderbilt University is studying how music -- and more -- affects anxiety at this special camp for people with Williams syndrome.
"It's kind of a lesson in contradictions. How can people who have significant developmental disabilities also have pronounced and marked interest in music and musical talent?" Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, told Ivanhoe.
The answer could lead to new treatments for all people with anxiety. Since Williams is genetic, research may pinpoint genes that trigger mental development and even personality issues. It's research Seth is proud to be a part of.
"Being yourself is sometimes the most important thing that a person can do," Seth told Ivanhoe.
National Williams Syndrome Awareness Week runs May 8-14. Because it can look like other disorders, experts say the majority of people with Williams have not been diagnosed yet.