0

Hot Tubs Help Diabetics

Posted on May 15, 2012 by jessica

Hot Tubs for Type 2 Diabetes

After years of doctors telling diabetics to stay out of hot tubs, it seems that advice is starting to change. Apparently soaking in a hot tub is actually beneficial to people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

In this age of obesity, diabetes has become something of an epidemic. Currently one out of every 10 people over the age of 20 has diabetes and there is now a pressing need for treatment and therapy for these people. Of course diabetics still have to be careful, those with a more advanced condition of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) are at risk of burning themselves as they can’t accurately measure the temperature of the water. But for the majority of sufferers, ‘hot tub therapy’ is beneficial.

One doctor had his diabetic patients sit in a hot tub for 30 minutes, 6 times a week, and after 3 weeks he measured a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Apparently the increase in body temperature and blood flow provided benefits similar to that of moderate exercise.

Of course medical studies aside, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you do suffer from diabetes, keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels before getting in a hot tub, confirm that you know exactly what the water temperature is, and make sure there is always someone with you while you’re soaking should you need any kind of assistance.

Share (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/sharer NULL.php)
0

Land yourself in hot water!

Posted on April 7, 2012 by jessica

stress busting spas

This is one time that “getting into hot water” is good for you.

From simple relaxation and detoxification, to improved sleep, to reduced stress levels, regular hot tub use has proven health benefits. Our bodies intuitively know this, and are grateful whenever we let ourselves soak in a spa’s hot, gurgling water.

Lift off the hot tub cover (http://www NULL.hottubcoverscanada NULL.ca/), set the temperature and jets, adjust the lighting, ease yourself in, and let it all go. You might already be feeling better, just visualizing it!
There’s nothing like the combination of heat, buoyancy and massage to ease muscle soreness and joint stiffness after a long day. But there are other benefits, too.

The US National Sleep Foundation (http://www NULL.sleepfoundation NULL.org/article/sleep-topics/healthy-sleep-tips) suggests relaxing in a hot tub as a great way to prepare the body for sleep. Leaving enough time to let your body cool down before bed, soaking in a hot tub can help ease the body into a deeper sleep.

Soaking in a hot tub is recognized as a great way to help reduce pain and discomfort from arthritis (http://www NULL.arthritistoday NULL.org/treatments/self-treatments/5-steps-to-pain-relief-2 NULL.php). It’s a great way to ease discomfort in anywhere in the body, whether in joints, spine, or elsewhere. The whole body will benefit.

Research by a team at Colorado’s McKee Medical Centre found that regular hot tub use led to reduced blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes, along with (healthy) weight loss and improved overall sense of well being.

Of course, anyone with a chronic health condition is recommended to consult their physician before they soak. Diabetes sufferers, for example, should be extra cautious gauging water temperatures.

But as a stress-buster, hot tubs can’t be beat. Humans have long relied on the calming effect of hot water baths to reduce stress quickly and safely.

It’s comforting to know that something that feels this good is also good for you.
This time, landing in hot water feels great – and is good for you. And what better way to combine pleasure with increased physical and mental health?

Share (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/sharer NULL.php)
0

Hot Tubs: Good for Your Health!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by jessica

healthbenefitsofspas

It has long been suggested that saunas are good for your health; supposedly you get in, sweat out toxins, and get out refreshed and healthier. Finns have been using saunas since the ice ages for relaxation, detoxification, and an afterglow of clear, healthy skin. It’s such a cultural phenomenon that in Finland, the number of saunas averages one per household. That means pretty much every single Finnish family believes in saunas for one use or another!

But what about hot tubs; do they boast the same health benefits as saunas?
Hot water or steam healing using saunas and baths has been in practice for centuries. Egyptians are said to have used hot baths for relaxation and pain management. Lately, therapeutic tubbing has been named many things including spa therapy, hydrotherapy, and balneotherapy.

As for whether today’s hot tubs can boast the same health benefits as saunas, or as natural mineral hot springs with supposed healing properties, it’s pretty clear that there are some absolute health benefits and a lot of debate over others.

Look up any relaxation ranch or health spa and many do suggest that hot tubs and holistic health practices go hand-in-hand. They imply that bringing up your body’s temperature allows you to sweat, detoxify, and therefore leave healthier and happier. (The line between spas for pleasure use and spas for health use is hard to define at times; if you look for a health spa, do your research! Speak to your health professional for recommendations.)

Some doctors have suggested patients (including cancer patients) indulge in some stress-free hot tubbing for relaxation (physical and mental) and for pain management, which seems as good a recommendation as any! However, there are caveats to using hot tubs for health purposes; people with certain health situations (low blood pressure, varicose veins, pregnancy) should consult their doctors before beginning a hot tubbing regimen, or simply steer clear of hot tubs rather than exacerbate a problem.

For the majority of people, however, a few minutes a day in a hot tub can make all the difference in improving their sense of well-being.

Share (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/sharer NULL.php)
1

How Safe Are Hot Tubs for Kids, Really?

Posted on December 20, 2011 by jessica

young girl ready to jump out of hot tub

If you have a hot tub and children or grandchildren, you’ve no doubt wondered: How young is too young for a dip in the spa? Assuming the kids are old enough to play in a pool or hot tub (let’s say they have taken some swimming lessons so they’re comfortable in the water), is the high temperature harmful? How long should they stay in the water?

When can you leave kids alone to use the hot tub? Will the kids understand the dangers?

There are so many questions! Luckily, we’ve found some guidelines.
As long as you keep your hot tub maintained and clean, disinfected and relatively free from bacteria, it should be safe for most people of most ages to use. However, pregnant women should avoid soaking for longer than ten minutes at a time (or avoid it completely, if they’re not feeling well). The elderly or those with health conditions such as varicose veins or low blood pressure (if it’s okay with their doctors that they use the spa) should monitor how they feel and exit the hot tub should they feel worse upon entering.

As for kids, you should restrict access to your hot tub at all times. Babies and toddlers should not be allowed in your hot tub at all. Older children are still at a much higher risk of overheating than adults, and according to a HealthLinkBC article from July, 2007, should not be allowed to soak in a hot tub for longer than five minutes at a time.

Consider the temperature too – it doesn’t need to be at the maximum safe heat setting! Choose a lower temperature for kids.

Of course, if you don’t have the time or ability to supervise older children using your hot tub, you shouldn’t allow them to use it at all! Most spa accidents involving kids happen when they’re unsupervised, or their supervisor is (even briefly) distracted.

Ensure that children don’t put their heads near the suction fitting; hair can become entangled and cause drowning. Know how to turn your hot tub off immediately should an emergency arise.

Use caution, prioritize kids’ safety around hot tubs, and you and the kids can have an enjoyable spa experience.

Share (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/sharer NULL.php)