Sauna Safety
To make your sauna experience the most enjoyable, one must listen to
his body. You need to follow your own rhythm in moving in and out of
the sauna or alternating between top and bottom benches. Some competitive
individuals approach the sauna like a test of endurance proving who
can withstand the most amount of heat. Those who are wiser will listen
to their own body and its needs.
List of Do's
- DO supervise children at all times and make sure
an adult is supervising at all times
- DO exit the sauna immediately if you feel uncomfortable,
dizzy or sleepy as these are some symptoms of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia
occurs when ones body temperature reaches several degrees above normal.
Your perceptions will be off and the effects will cause a failure to
receive heat, fetal damage in pregnant women, physically un capable
of leaving the sauna and unable to recognize the need to take a break
from the sauna.
- DO take your children with you when leaving the sauna,
even if its only for a few minutes
- DO consult a doctor before using a sauna, especially
if you have a history of heart disease, obesity, low or high blood pressure,
circulatory system problems, or diabetes
- DO make sure to leave the sauna slowly as the hot
air relaxes your muscles and you may feel lightheaded.
List of Don'ts
- DON'T use a sauna if you are pregnant before
getting an ok from your physician, who will be able to inform you of
what sauna temperature is safe. High sauna temperatures can cause damage
to the fetus particularly in the first few months of pregnancy
- DON'T use a sauna after an intense workout, wait
to your body has cooled down before entering the sauna to prevent overheating
- DON'T ever sleep inside the sauna, you may not awake
before hyperthermia sets in
- DON'T use a sauna outside during an electrical storm,
you have a chance of being hit by lighting
- DON'T use a sauna if you have been overly drinking
just avoid the use of a sauna all together. Consult your physician if
you have been taken medicine with a prescription. Alcohol, medicines
and recreational drugs could affect the way your body handles the sauna
temperatures and you may lose unconsciousness