o Saunas & Medications
Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their
personal physician or a pharmacist for possible changes in the drugs effect
when the body is exposed to infrared waves or elevated body temperature.
Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat
loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitriptyline may inhibit sweating
and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke.
Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the
body to be more prone to heat stroke.
o Saunas & Children
The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This
occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory
adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body
temperature by sweating. When using with a child, operate at a lower
temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
o Saunas & The Elderly
The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is
primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function.
The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to
maintain core body temperature. When using with the elderly, operate at a
lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
o Saunas & Cardiovascular Conditions
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems (hypertension / hypo
tension), congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation or those who
are taking medications which might affect blood pressure should exercise
caution when exposed to prolonged heat. Heat stress increases cardiac output
and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside
environment via the skin (Perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes
place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which has the potential
to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core
body temperature.
o Saunas & Joint Injury
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48
hours after an injury or until the swollen symptoms subside. If you have a joint
or joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly
to vigorous heating of any kind.
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