There may be risks with the use of a sauna if you have the following conditions. Always consult a physician before using a sauna if you have:

• High blood pressure or heart problems. Saunas make your heart work harder than normal.

• Known medical conditions. Some of these include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, angina and other conditions.

• Just finished exercising. After strenuous exercise, let your heart rate come down to resting levels first.

• Recently consumed alcohol or recreational drugs. Using the sauna afterwards could affect your heart, impair sweating and produce overheating.

• Take certain medications. Don't use a sauna if you take medications that interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature or make you drowsy.

• Are pregnant. According to whattoexpect, sauna use during pregnancy could lead to dizziness, dehydration or lower blood pressure.

Safety tips

If you're able to use the sauna, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating before and after your sauna.

• Keep sessions short. You can build up your tolerance for the heat over multiple visits.

• Limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes. Even healthy individuals should limit their time to 15 to 20 minutes in a sauna.

• Monitor how you feel. If you are sensitive to the heat, feel dizzy, nauseous or begin to feel uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately.

• Don't take a sauna when you are ill, and if you feel unwell during your sauna, head for the door.

• Stay hydrated. Always hydrate beforehand, and drink two to four glasses of cool water after each session. Drink mineral water or juice to replace electrolytes lost through sweating.

• Use the buddy system. Bring a friend or family member with you in case problems do occur.

• Remove jewelry. Metal jewelry, including rings and small earrings, can heat up very quickly and cause skin irritation or burning.

• Protect your hair. Sauna heat can leave your hair shafts dry and brittle. A towel or shower cap can help protect it.

• Dress appropriately. Wearing loose fitting clothes, a swimsuit or a towel is good since heavy clothing can lead to overheating.

• Rest and cool off afterwards. Lie or sit down for at least 10 minutes, then take a cold shower to help bring your body temperature to normal levels.

Sauna use can be very good for your body and relaxing when used safely.