Sauna Safety
In Finland the Sauna is an elementary part of everyday life. Most anyone can use a Sauna, however the effects of a Sauna differ from person to person. If you are in doubt, you should always check with your physician before taking one. People who are new to the Sauna should take shorter Saunas at lower temperatures to accustom your body to the high heat. Here are some typical warnings that we include on plaques with all of our Sauna heaters.
- Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol should stay clear from the Sauna. Alcohol use dehydrates the body and using the Sauna would dehydrate even more. Also you are not using your best judgment when under the influence.
- Persons with low blood pressure or heart disease should exercise caution. The heat of the Sauna causes the capillaries in the skin to dilate, which in effect lowers blood pressure. Heartbeat increases to keep blood pressure normal. Use caution and pay attention to how you feel before and after a Sauna.
- Persons with high blood pressure should exercise caution. The same warnings are valid as with low blood pressure. In Finland, however, high blood pressure is fairly common (because of high alcohol consumption) and the Sauna is enjoyed by everyone without incident.
- Pregnant women should ask the advice of their physician. Most pregnant women who are used to taking Saunas should not have a problem enjoying them, but take them at lower temperatures and do not stay in as long. Women in Finland take Saunas throughout their pregnancy. In the old days children were even born in the Sauna because it was the cleanest, bacteria-free environment.
- Children should be supervised in the Sauna. Children in Finland start enjoying the Sauna at a very young age. It is best to start a child at a lower temperature or have them sit on the lower bench where it is cooler.
Sauna is a wonderful and relaxing experience of cleansing the body and can be enjoyed by most people. Again, it is best to check with a physician if you have any medical conditions or feel any adverse effects. Most of all, the Sauna is a matter of common sense. Your body will let you know when it is time to exit the Sauna if you get too hot. Remember to drink plenty of water or other fluids after the Sauna to replace what you have lost.
