January 15, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Caution is necessary when using saunas Many people enjoy sitting in a sauna after particularly grueling workouts. This is especially true for those who suffer from chronic pain, as heat has long been used as a remedy for muscle aches and pains, with some studies indicating that warm, moist heat can raise endorphin levels in the brain and nervous system while simultaneously decreasing stress hormone levels. Though some dispute the health benefits of saunas, many agree that saunas are safe for many people. Harvey Simon, M.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, advises that those with poorly controlled blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, unstable angina, and advanced heart failure or heart valve disease stay cool and avoid saunas. In addi- tion, pregnant women, who risk raising their body temperature and suffering from faint- ing spells or heat exhaustion when spend- ing time in a sauna, and children should avoid saunas entirely. Those uncertain about sauna use and the potential impact of such use on their health should consult their physicians before using saunas. But even sauna users without preexisting medical conditions must exercise caution when making use of saunas. The following are a few tips sauna users should employ to ensure their next steamy sauna session does not produce any unwanted consequences. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to become dehy- drated when spending time in a sauna, and dehydration can lead to heat stroke if sauna users don’t replenish themselves with liquid. This is why it’s important for sauna users to stay hydrated when using a sauna and to drink several glasses of water after each sauna session. Many people like saunas because they feel they sweat out any toxins or heavy metals within the body while in the sauna. Though some evidence exists to support that theory, the body is not only losing those harmful things like toxins and metals while in the sauna, but also lots of water. This is why it’s important to immediately rehydrate with several glasses of water after leaving the sauna. Steer clear of the sauna if you are on medications or if you have consumed alco- hol. Alcohol and certain medications can impair sweating, increasing a person’s risk of overheating before and after a sauna ses- sion. Men and women on such medications may already be at risk of overheating even before they enter a sauna, a risk that only increases significantly when they get in the sauna. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning the more alcohol a person consumes, the more likely that person is to urinate and lose water as a result. Water in the body is essential for men and women using a sauna. Without sufficient water in their bodies, men and women won’t be able to produce adequate sweat and will put themselves at risk of overheating. This is why it’s also benefi- cial for men and women to avoid saunas the morning after they consume alcohol, when the body might still be mildly or even significantly dehydrated from the previous night’s alcohol consumption. Allow the body to cool down after using the sauna. Many people do not have saunas in their homes and therefore only use public saunas, such as those in gyms or spas. When using a public sauna, men and women may prefer to take a hot or warm shower imme- diately after exiting the sauna. However, the body needs to cool down gradually after it’s been in a sauna, so men and women must resist the temptation to jump right into a cold shower after exiting the sauna. Instead, men and women should put on a robe when they leave the sauna and allow their bodies to cool before taking a shower.