HOW INFRARED SAUNAS BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Unfortunately, getting sick is a normal part of life. Usually spread in highly populated settings like schools and offices, but sometimes even just by taking a trip to the grocery store, viruses can often be avoided by strengthening your immune system so that it can fight the illnesses with its full strength. There are endless home remedies and over-the-counter medications that you can take to strengthen your immune system during this vulnerable time of the year, but one method has proven especially effective: the use of an infrared sauna.

Before we dive into the multitude of benefits that come with using an infrared sauna to strengthen your immune system, let’s take a look at what exactly causes a weakened immune system. An immune system may not be working to its optimal capabilities if it is dealing with excess stress, little to no exercise, malnutrition, a lack of sleep, or a combination of any of these.

Unfortunately, some of these things may be unavoidable at times, and we may need some immune system support. While infrared sauna use directly benefits the immune system, it also provides you with health benefits when it comes to sleep, stress, and detoxification, giving you a well-rounded experience that positively impacts multiple aspects of your well-being. Benefits of an infrared sauna that specifically help to strengthen your immune system include:

1. Increased Production of White Blood Cells

The heat generated by an infrared sauna stimulates energy at a cellular level which, in turn, increases the body’s production of white blood cells. These cells form a component of your blood and act as your immune system’s first line of defense when infection strikes. When a harmful substance enters your body, white blood cells detect it and control the immune system’s response. Clearly, these small cells are critical when it comes to the functionality of our immune systems. An increased production of white blood cells, as stimulated by infrared sauna use, can help the body to more effectively fight off illnesses.

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2. Triggered Immune System

Hippocrates famously said, “Give me a fever and I can cure any disease.” The idea that increased temperatures trigger the body’s immune system response is certainly not new. Fevers help your body to fight off infection by allowing certain immune cells to work more efficiently and effectively. According to the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, hyperthermia, or the exposure of the body to high temperatures, gives these cells the ability to destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.

3. Release Impurities

One major benefit of infrared sauna use is detoxification. When your body does not sweat enough, it holds onto potentially harmful toxins, chemicals, and impurities that were meant to be eliminated through sweat. These impurities may come from the food you eat, the air you breathe, the liquids you drink, and anything else you may consume. Ensuring that your body can eliminate these toxins efficiently is one of the best ways to stay healthy and support your immune system. A typical 20-minute session in an infrared sauna allows your body to flush out these impurities from the inside out so your immune system has less to fight off. You may even notice a slight glow in your skin after your sauna session. This is visible evidence that your body’s largest organ has been purified and detoxified.

4. Better Blood Circulation

The deeply penetrating heat of an infrared sauna promotes blood circulation throughout your entire body, providing oxygen-rich nutrients to your extremities. This means that any areas that were poorly circulated before your sauna session will be flushed out, and any harmful substances that were building up will be released through sweat. The increase in circulation pumps the blood towards the outside surface of your body, taking with it any bacteria or other illness-causing substances. Better circulation also benefits the heart, muscles, and arteries.

5. Increased Cellular Regeneration

Infrared sauna usage can also strengthen the immune system by stimulating cell regeneration. This kind of regeneration can help your body dispose of cells that might be old, damaged, or ineffective and replace them with new cells. Over time all cells are regenerated, but the heat from an infrared sauna catalyzes the regeneration process and ensures all bodily systems are running as smoothly as possible. This is especially beneficial during the cold and flu season when the body is being attacked more frequently.

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6.Relaxation

Since high stress levels often result in a weakened immune system and, as a result, illness, reducing your stress levels is crucial when it comes to maintaining a healthy body. Excess levels of cortisol, the hormone that is released when the body is stressed, can weaken your immune system’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Regular use of an infrared sauna balances cortisol levels and relaxes the body and mind. This allows your immune system to work efficiently, without the hindrance of high cortisol levels.

Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas

Jacuzzi® infrared saunas offer an experience that will aid your body with the immune-boosting benefits mentioned above and more. These spa-like, hand-crafted sanctuaries provide you with a luxurious retreat in your home. With an array of infrared sauna sizes and styles available, you are sure to find the perfect sauna to suit your home. Learn more and get yours in time for the cold and flu season.

Fall brings with it many things. Illness does not have to be one of them. With proper care and preparation, your immune system can stand up to the cold and flu viruses that seem to be waiting until the cooler months to attack. The use of an infrared sauna strengthens your immune system by increasing white blood cell production, triggering the immune system, releasing impurities, improving blood circulation, regenerating cells, and promoting relaxation. With a strong defense system, you are free to enjoy life in full health.

SUPPORTING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2017

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to the awareness and prevention of the disease. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women with as many as one in eight women diagnosed with the disease at some point in their life. The earlier it is detected, the faster and more likely it is that the patient will make a full recovery. Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to make women aware of the importance of early detection, give women the tools they need to perform self-tests and raise funds for breast cancer research.

What began in 1985 as a modest campaign between the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries has blossomed into an annual worldwide campaign. Breast Cancer Awareness Month has grown rapidly in size since its inception as events, fundraisers, races, and walks were established to raise awareness. These events include Breast Cancer Today, The National Race for the Cure, and Susan G. Komen 3 Day ‘For the Cure’. In the late 80s and early 90s, the pink ribbon started appearing to commemorate those who had been affected by breast cancer and eventually organizations established this as the official symbol of breast cancer.

Now, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the largest such campaigns and encourages people around the world to get involved by educating themselves, spreading the word about mammography and early detection, and fundraising for breast cancer research.

How Can You Help Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

If you are looking to get involved and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are plenty of things you can do to spread awareness and contribute to the cause. These include the following:

Educate Yourself and Others

If you want to educate others about the importance of early detection, download this free Breast Health Guide, share resources on social media, and ask friends and family to do their own research on breast self-tests and mammography. Other sources of education are in-person training sessions and online training modules.

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Host and Participate in Fundraisers

Fundraisers can be a great way to connect with others about breast cancer awareness and raise money for the cause. In-person events can be beneficial for a more personal connection while online fundraisers are great because you can reach more participants.

Donate

If you want to participate in raising money for breast cancer research but you do not have the ability to donate your time, a one-time donation is a great option.

Participate in Events

Donating your time and money to Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great way to do your part in spreading awareness about early detection and supporting researchers in finding a cure. Events you can get involved in during Breast Cancer Awareness Month include the following:
• American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
• Avon – The Walk to End Breast Cancer
• Party in Pink by Zumba
• Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk
• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

The Benefits of an Infrared Sauna

Breast Cancer Awareness Month also raises money for alternative cancer medicine research and prevention research. Infrared sauna health benefits affect the entire body and promote overall wellness. Benefits of an infrared sauna that promote a healthy body include:

Toxin Elimination

Heavy metals and chemicals can build up and live in parts of the body that are not flushed out regularly. An infrared sauna helps detoxify every part of the body on a cellular level so that these unwanted substances are eliminated through sweat.

Organ Detoxification

Infrared sauna technology naturally draws the blood towards the surface of the body, which promotes the decongestion of internal organs. This detoxifying movement of fluids helps to rejuvenate any tissue that may have been stagnant or holding onto chemicals or hormones.

Improved Circulation

The improved circulation provided by an infrared sauna helps to pump in fresh new blood to nourish and replenish all parts of the body.

Skin Rejuvenation

The inactivity of sweat glands due to lack of sweating can cause your body to hold onto waste and toxins that should have been released. The resulting sweat of infrared sauna use helps your body to cleanse its largest organ and flush out any toxins that may have been stored beneath the skin.  The soothing heat of an infrared sauna penetrates deep into the body to eliminate these toxins from the inside out, leaving you feeling refreshed, healthy, and happy.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about awareness, early detection, and education. Taking steps to educate yourself about the disease and the ways to fight and prevent it is a great way to participate and do your part.  Knowing how to detect and help the body fight off cancer cells is beneficial to you while spreading that information to those around you is beneficial to the cause as a whole.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA?

While common belief is that yoga has been around for almost 5,000 years, today’s popular yoga styles – Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram and Hatha, have come into prominence over the last 1,500 years. Little has changed in terms of the individual poses and their intrinsic benefits, but the popularity of yoga as a healthy art form has done nothing but explode in prominence over the past thirty years. Yoga is good for your mind, your body, and your spirit. Let’s look at some of the ways yoga can help you feel your best from the inside out.

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What Are the Physical Health Benefits of Yoga?

Flexibility

Yoga poses gently force you to stretch, twist and bend your frame – and then hold each pose for a specific time. Do it right and you’ll quickly see better flexibility. This can translate into fewer injuries, pulled muscles and overall discomfort throughout your daily routine.

Muscle Tone

Yoga is a toning exercise – one that creates long, lean muscle tone that can more effectively support the musculoskeletal system. Yoga can make you strong, too. Think of the advanced yogis who perform headstands or handstands; that takes incredible strength and balance.

Weight Loss

Yoga, especially hot yoga, can burn serious calories and can be a cornerstone cardio activity for anyone looking to trim a few pounds. Though various yoga poses create a wide range of calorie burning situations, experts indicate that yoga burns between 180 and 600 calories per hour or an average of about 400/hour. Compare that to the 363 calories a 160-pound individual burns throughout the course of a one-hour, three-mile run, and you can see how great yoga can be for weight loss.

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Enhanced Fertility

Yoga is a proven stress reliever, and in recent years the practice has been used by fertility experts as another infertility-fighting tool in their arsenal. Since stress has been linked to fertility problems, yoga can help in numerous ways. According to Bethany Grace Shaw, the founder and president of YogaFit, Inc. “Yoga allows the mother-to-be to relax, de-stress, and open up energetic channels, thereby improving chances of conception.” Yoga may also allow for better blood flow to reproductive organs, improving organ function and improving hormone function.

Reduced Risk for Heart Disease

Yoga helps individuals lose weight, improves circulation, boosts capacity for cardiovascular exercise, and keeps the heart at an elevated (but safe) rate during yoga sessions. Yoga helps foster a decrease in arterial plaque, and that minimizes the chance of heart disease becoming increasingly serious for the individual.

 Reduced Risk for Arthritis

There are numerous medications designed to help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but they certainly aren’t without their side effects. Yoga can help rheumatoid arthritis patients better manage their pain, as well as lower depression levels and increase self-efficacy. Hot yoga is increasingly popular among arthritis sufferers, as the slow, controlled movements and heated environment can be quite beneficial for the joints.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Yoga?

Promotes Emotional Health

Exercise, in general, has shown to aid those afflicted by depression, and yoga is included under the wide umbrella of “exercise.” Yoga is often practiced in a group setting, which promotes oxytocin production – the love and bonding hormone. If practiced alone, it helps boost serotonin levels high enough to make virtually anyone feel happier and more positive about life in general.

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Helps with Insomnia

Yoga can be quite helpful for those who find getting a good night’s sleep a challenge. Yoga helps improve circulation, calms the mind, and there are even poses that can be completed at night, before bed, or even during bouts of insomnia to help calm your head. There are a few specific poses that can help you sleep better.

Improves Memory

Research shows that yoga can help improve memory in individuals of any age. By lessening mental stress and tension, yoga helps improve cognitive functioning and allows us to use our mental faculties more effectively and efficiently.

Provides Support for PTSD

Individuals suffering from PTSD may find yoga to be a truly beneficial therapy tool in the fight against their debilitating condition. Studies have shown that yoga can help center and calm those with a PTSD diagnosis, and may be a solid option for PTSD sufferers who have found little relief from traditional psychotherapy methods.

 

Practicing yoga is a terrific way of improving your mental, physical and emotional health, and a lot of attention has been focused recently on the topic of hot yoga. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’re just starting out and learning basic poses in a group setting, you may see an even greater spectrum of health and wellness benefits by incorporating hot yoga into your fitness routine. Either way, make yoga a part of your life, and you’ll almost certainly look and feel your best in no time.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL YOGA MONTH IN SEPTEMBER

Yoga is more than just a fitness trend nowadays. Fitness clubs offer yoga classes around the clock, while toddlers and children are being introduced to yoga at a young age through school and extracurricular activities. In addition, famous sports stars, actors and celebrities are quick to flaunt the benefits of yoga – a discipline that has been around for more than 1,500 years! It only makes sense that as yoga continues to weave into our daily lives, we should celebrate and spotlight this ancient practice that has benefited so many people in so many ways. Let’s look at ways to celebrate National Yoga Month, why yoga can be an important part of your daily routine, and some examples of integrating “hot yoga” into your fitness regimen.

Make September Your Month to Remember

Is yoga your go to? Your conduit for stress relief and fitness? Or are you just learning what it means to strike the “down-dog” pose? Like many, you’re somewhere in between. Regardless of your experience, use the month of September as a time to reignite your passion for all things yoga. Here are several ways you can celebrate National Yoga Month.

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Invite Others to Try it

Everything is more fun when you do it with friends, so invite your pals, family members or acquaintances to do yoga with you. During National Yoga Month, more than 1,500 yoga studios participate in a “GET ONE WEEK FREE” event that makes it easy to include those who aren’t ready to fully commit. Check with your local yoga studios to see what kind of offers they’ll have available.

Donate Your Skills

If you are a seasoned yogi, or at least good enough to safely show others how to complete basic holds and poses, consider donating some of your time to get others excited about the practice. You can keep it as casual and simple as you’d like, and focus on showing those new to yoga how to complete poses safely, comfortably and correctly.

Share it Online

Yoga offers a host of health and wellness benefits, so talk it up whenever you can. Share on social media anytime you master a new pose, complete a challenging routine, or simply have a good time at the yoga studio or while practicing the art form at home.

Try Hot Yoga

Even those who have spent years practicing yoga may not have much, if any, experience with hot yoga. This is yoga that is performed in a heated room or sauna. The addition of the higher temperature element makes for a unique experience that must be felt to be understood. To celebrate National Yoga Month, give a new style of yoga a try.

Why Should Yoga Be a Part of Your Fitness Routine?

For centuries now, yogis have firmly advocated for the health and wellness benefits of their discipline, and modern science tends to back up their wellness claims, too. Yoga is good for you. But what exactly are the real-world health benefits of sticking to a fitness routine that includes yoga? Let’s look at some of the big ones:

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  • Increased Muscle Tone and Strength

Think yoga isn’t challenging because you don’t move very quickly? Give it a try – you’ll likely build and tone your muscles quickly.

  • Weight Reduction

Though your heart rate won’t hit a fever pitch like it would during a session on the treadmill, the consistent elevated heart rate experienced during yoga burns calories to help aid in weight loss.

  • Better Flexibility

Once you get good at basic yoga poses, you may be surprised how soon you experience increased flexibility and athletic performance.

  • Circulatory health

Yoga improves circulation, provides a cardio workout and boosts your body’s ability to move blood, oxygen and vital nutrients throughout your system.

  • Stress reduction

Yoga is a proven stress fighter, and it has become a mainstream, non-medicinal anti-depressant that can help individuals attain mental clarity, calmness and focus.

What Are the Benefits of Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is simply the art of doing yoga in a hot environment. The average studio temperature for a hot yoga experience is 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit with at least 40% humidity. Many individuals claim that this type of yoga experience is more relaxing and therapeutic than traditional yoga classes. The natural looseness and flexibility gained while in the sauna-type atmosphere acts to enhance each yoga movement. Expect a beginner’s hot yoga session to last about half an hour (though you should stop the moment you feel overheated, dizzy, etc.) and a session for a veteran yogi to stretch 60-90 minutes or more.

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There are numerous benefits to doing yoga in a heated space, including:

  • An even greater boost to the circulatory system than with traditional yoga.
  • Accelerated weight loss, thanks to the increase in metabolic rate while in the heated area.
  • Detoxification is a big health benefit, as all that sweat acts as a high-speed shuttle bus for toxins.
  • Hot yoga can be great for the mind and spirit, as it is generally more challenging than traditional yoga and imparts a sense of accomplishment at the end of the session.

If you’re going to do hot yoga, make sure you keep these tips in mind:

  • Hydrate

Make sure you adequately hydrate before, during, and after a hot yoga session. Just as you should always consume plenty of water when a sauna is part of your life, adding in the extra stress of exercising while in the sauna demands an even greater level of fluid intake than normal. For each 30-minute period of hot yoga, add at least 8-ounces of additional water or sports drink intake to your daily totals.

  • Don’t Push it too Far

There is a natural tendency among many of us to push through pain, fight the urge to quit and win at all costs – but that can be dangerous in a hot yoga class. Yes, you’ll want to exert effort and work hard to hold poses, but never to the point of total exhaustion, light-headedness, or pain. Know your limits, and gradually seek to elevate them. The importance of listening to your body is communicated in all yoga classes.

  • Watch What You Eat

You obviously know that eating too heavy before a hot yoga session or any exercise routine for that matter, is likely to result in pain, discomfort and a sense of “why did I do this to myself?” Instead, eat lightly before your session, and focus on fueling your body with natural foods that have a high-water content.

  • Make Sure You’re Healthy Enough

Most people are 100% healthy enough to safely complete hot yoga sessions, and those that aren’t quite there yet can work up to it without too much effort, but it always pays to ensure you’re healthy enough for any exercise program.

Adding hot yoga to your routine is a great way to kickoff National Yoga Month, and adding a new infrared sauna to your home or office is a terrific way to ensure you always have access to the ideal hot yoga environment. For more information on saunas that are perfectly designed to support your yoga routine, speak to one of our infrared sauna specialists today.

INCORPORATING YOUR INFRARED SAUNA INTO YOUR MIND-BODY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Just as the mind and body are intertwined, so are the benefits of infrared sauna use and Ayurveda. The practice of Ayurveda is about aligning yourself with the infinite power of nature so that you can live a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. An infrared sauna can help you achieve ayurvedic balance by providing a tool for wellness and relaxation.

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Here are ways in which the incorporation of an infrared sauna in conjunction with your Ayurveda practice can help you lead a lifestyle of overall health and mindfulness.

 

1) It allows you to self-perform Swedana, or fomentation therapy.

The application of moist heat can be extremely beneficial for those with tight muscles. To perform fomentation therapy on yourself at home, try giving yourself a massage, taking your time and focusing on any areas of stress and tension in your body. The massage will loosen up any toxins in your muscle tissues. To flush out those toxins, follow up with time spent in an infrared sauna for about 20-45 minutes, depending on your body’s preference. Swedana helps to eliminate toxins in the body through sweat and also helps to dissolve tension, creating supple muscles and a deep sense of relaxation.

2) You can benefit in a unique way, depending on your dosha.

Because of the diverse characteristics of each dosha, the benefits of infrared sauna use differ depending on your mind-body type. Though each dosha can benefit from the use of an infrared sauna, the Vata and Kapha dosha types can benefit the most from regular sauna use because of the resulting increased circulation, lubricated joints, and (over time) weight loss. Although Pittas can reap similar benefits, they should start their sauna experience with shorter 15-20-minute sessions to be mindful of overheating.

3) It helps your body eliminate what it doesn’t need.

Although Ayurveda practice involves incorporating colorful, fresh foods into your diet, not every meal can perfectly suit what your body needs. Sometimes we may ingest too much of one nutrient that the body does not need right now. Sometimes we treat ourselves to not-so-healthy food. Regardless of the reason, while we may try our best, our diets will not be perfectly balanced all the time. The use of an infrared sauna will help your digestive system move waste through your body, helping your body to maximize the nutritional benefits of the food you eat.

4) It helps to improve and regulate energy levels.

Of course, according to Ayurveda, getting a restful night’s sleep is essential when it comes to helping our bodies rejuvenate and repair. Once this has been achieved, you should wake up feeling energized and ready to take on the day. However, the use of a sauna can provide supplemental energizing benefits, in addition to getting a peaceful night’s rest. The deep penetration of the body with heat allows for improved circulation which, in turn, can result in increased energy levels and clearer focus. This is a great option when you need an added boost of energy in the morning before starting your day.

5) It just feels good.

When you’re in Ayurvedic balance, what you desire and what you need are in alignment. This means that if you get the sudden urge to eat a fresh piece of fruit, your body probably needs the vitamins that are found in that fruit. Similarly, when you have the urge to immerse yourself in the heat of an infrared sauna, your body is probably craving one of the countless benefits that it has associated with penetrative heat. Ayurveda is about flowing with the infinite energy of the universe instead of fighting it.

6) It can boost your immune system.

As you relax in the sauna, your body is working to improve the functionality of your immune system. As your body heat rises, its natural healing process is triggered and your immune system will begin producing higher numbers of white blood cells and antibodies. This helps your body to fight off viruses and other pathogens that inevitably come your way.

7) It cleanses your skin.

As the largest organ in your body, your skin acts as a barrier between the outside world and your physical self. Keeping that barrier clean and free of any toxins is essential for your health. While eating a colorful, healthy diet and making sure you get a nightly restful sleep can help rejuvenate your skin, using an infrared sauna dilates pores and washes out any unwanted substances, leaving your skin glowing and bright. The heat stimulation can also promote elasticity and suppleness.

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The benefits of Ayurveda can be transformational to your body and mind. An infrared sauna can help to enhance these benefits and gives you a tool to assist you in achieving Ayurvedic balance. Dissolved tension, improved digestion, a stronger immune system, clearer skin, increased energy levels, energetic alignment, and mindfulness are just a few of the benefits of incorporating an Infrared sauna into your mind-body spiritual practice.

WHY QUALITY CONSTRUCTION MATTERS FOR YOUR SAUNA

An infrared sauna can provide you with a transformational experience that can become an integral part of your wellness routine. As awareness of the numerous physical and psychological benefits of sauna use grows, so does the popularity of investing in a sauna. When shopping for the best sauna, make sure to research the sauna materials and its structural qualities to ensure your investment is safe and long-lasting.

While some sauna construction is completed using cheap materials in order to keep production costs down, the benefits of sauna use may be offset by other health issues that stem from those unsafe materials. Look for saunas crafted with toxin-free, sustainably sourced materials. The following are factors you should take into consideration when browsing the sauna market.

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Wood Quality

Infrared saunas are typically constructed with spruce, redwood, hemlock, poplar, basswood or cedar. The most quality, benefit-rich types of wood are North American Basswood and Western Red Canadian Cedar (WRCC). Both of these woods have distinctive features that result in varying styles and benefits.

Basswood is a white wood and features a fine, even texture. It is hypoallergenic, making it the best option for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). With its rich, warm tones and tight, straight grain, Western Red Canadian Cedar (WRCC)  is also a great option for use in a sauna. WRCC runs from a lighter honey color to a richer red color and is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  The oils in the cedar wood will help keep your sauna clean for many years.  WRCC is considered non-aromatic cedar and this mild cedar aroma will enhance sauna experience. Both types of wood are resistant to splitting and will provide you with a long-lasting investment piece for your home.

Low Electromagnetic Fields

The average person is exposed to small amounts of EMF every day, which is not considered to be a health risk. However, once these levels reach a certain range, they are considered dangerous and can cause health issues. When perusing the market, take this into consideration and look for a low EMF https://clearlightsaunas.my/true-wave-low-emf infrared sauna. Clearlight Infrared Saunas use True Wave™ infrared heaters which have eliminated this concern by developing patented technologies that cancel out EMF and reduces the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) to safe levels.  In addition, these saunas are constructed with electrical wiring shielded in grounded metal conduit to eliminate any residual harmful wavelengths. This allows you to confidently enjoy your sauna, knowing it is completely safe.

Sauna-Features

Infrared Heaters

The infrared heaters in your saunas are the most critical aspects when making your sauna purchase choice. Typically, sauna heaters belong to one of two categories: ceramic and carbon. Both types of heaters have their strengths and weaknesses.

Ceramic heaters are better at producing larger amounts of heat, but they produce a shorter, less beneficial wavelength.  They also tend to distribute the heat unevenly. On the other hand, carbon heaters tend to produce less infrared heat but produce a longer infrared wavelength for more benefit.  The heat is also distributed more evenly. Look for a sauna that utilizes a combination of both types of heaters to take advantage of both strengths. A state-of-the-art TrueWave™ infrared heater is comprised of micro-thin carbon fibers combined with a patented ceramic compound. The result is an increase in the emissivity of the infrared wavelength, meaning your body is heated evenly throughout. A TrueWave™ infrared heater will provide you with the most effective heat therapy benefits.

Combining both of these technologies into one heater gives you the best of both worlds. Our Clearlight True Wave infrared heaters are the only combination carbon/ceramic infrared heat and are comprised of micro-thin carbon fibers combined with a patented ceramic compound. The result is you will receive the long wave of a carbon heater with the high output of a ceramic heater combined into one heater.  You will receive more benefit faster.

Structural Design

The first step in finding a quality sauna to invest in is to research the sauna materials used. Once you confirm quality materials, the next factor to consider is how those materials are crafted to create the sauna.  Jacuzzi® Saunas set an example of refined craftsmanship. Furniture quality construction, smart modern construction techniques, and rigorous sauna safety testing are some of the factors that characterize a sauna that is built to last.

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Choosing a Quality Sauna

An investment in an infrared sauna is an investment in your health and well-being. When searching for the right sauna for your home, make sure to take into consideration the quality of the materials and level of craftsmanship used to construct it. Longevity, safety, and sauna experience are all dependent upon what the sauna is made of and how it is built. Take advantage of the relaxing, therapeutic benefits of an infrared sauna by investing in one that is created with your well-being in mind.

WORKING OUT DURING THE SUMMER HEAT

Exercising in the summer may feel great, but it also requires that you keep close tabs on the summer heat, and put a plan in place to ensure you stay healthy and safe when the mercury starts to rise. There are ways to complete your daily workout when it’s hot outside while minimizing the risks of exercising in the heat.

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Choose the Right Time of Day

It is warmest outside between 11 am and 3 pm, so pick any other time during the day than this four-hour block and you’ll minimize your exposure to excessive heat. If you have the choice between exercising in the morning or waiting until the late afternoon, aim for the earlier timeslot. You’ll find that the mornings will always be a bit cooler than the afternoon, the sun is generally less intense in the morning hours, and the air is often saturated with far fewer pollutants than you’d find during the later hours of the day. Unless your schedule prohibits it, stay away from exercising from 11am-3pm.

Hydrate… and Then Hydrate Some More

There is no replacement for adequate hydration – and the intense heat of the summer puts additional strain on the body that can only be managed through sufficient intake of water, specialty energy drinks, and similar fluids. Start the morning (before you do anything) with a large glass of ice water. Then, make sure you have another glass of water at least 20-30 minutes before you start exercising. Finally, ensure you drink at least 8-12 ounces of water each hour you’re out in the heat (keep drinking until you don’t feel thirsty, even if that ends up being way more than 8-12 ounces). Try to consume some fluids at least every 15 minutes, whether you feel you need it or not. After your workout, drink 16 ounces of cool water to support your cool down phase.

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Wear Appropriate Clothing and Gear

You’d never wear a pair of denim jeans, a leather jacket, and heavy biker boots to go on a run, right? That would be crazy! Just as you’d never don such inappropriate clothing during a workout, it is important to realize that there are acceptable workout clothes and ideal workout apparel choices. Visit your local runner’s store and ask for clothing options with fabrics that are lightweight, offer UV protection, wick away moisture, and won’t chafe your skin. Lighter colors help minimize heat absorption, reflective inlays can provide protection when exercising very early or late in the day, and specific fabrics help channel sweat away from the body to help you feel great during a workout.

Always Use Sunscreen

As much as the sun’s rays feel great on the skin, it won’t take long for those good feelings to transform into a sunburn. And a sunburn is one way to ensure you’ll be sitting on the sideline for several days – unable to work out, wincing in pain every time clothing glides across your skin, and most importantly, causing actual damage to your body at a cellular level. To make sure you protect yourself while exercising in the heat of the summer, don appropriate sunscreen, apply it liberally and often, and consider other ways to cover your body to prevent possible sun damage. A hat and sunglasses are a must, too.

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Check the Weather Before Going Out

There will likely be times over the summer where you’ll simply have to choose to skip your outdoor summer workout due to the heat. For example, it simply isn’t a safe choice to go for a long run on a 118-degree day in Phoenix – you may end up harming your body and setting yourself back, health-wise, versus simply looking for an alternative way to get in your workout. If there is a heat advisory in the forecast and/or the weather feels extra humid, stay inside or workout very early in the morning. If an ozone alert or pollution advisory is broadcast in your area, don’t try to jog through the plumes of environmental contaminants – stay indoors. You can do real damage to your respiratory system – and after all, there will be plenty of other days to enjoy the great outdoors.

Look for Ways to Work Out Indoors

On those sweltering summer days, prioritize your health and wellness by opting for an indoor workout instead. You can spend time in the sauna, relaxing and stretching your muscles in anticipation of a big workout over the upcoming days. Swim laps in your local pool for a refreshing full-body workout. Or, consider yoga on hot days, do Pilates, or partake in martial arts training or a dance class to get a great summer workout in an air-conditioned environment.

While summer is the season that brings to mind the memorable time spent outdoors and the ideal climate for healthy workouts and exhilarating activities, it is also a time of year that is challenging for those who like to stay in shape. Make sure you stay hydrated, wear the right exercise clothing, heed the weatherman’s warnings, move indoors if necessary, sunscreen up, and pick the right time of day to work out.  Do so, and you’ll minimize your chances of negatively impacting your health during a summer workout.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY DURING SUMMER

Common wisdom tells us that the cold winter months are the most damaging to our waistlines and our sense of mental health. But when you consider all the social events, beach parties, backyard barbeques, and vacations that tend to occur over the summer, you may find that it is harder to stay healthy during the warmer part of the year versus the winter. In fact, many of us focus on healthy eating and exercise in anticipation of bathing suit weather, then splurge throughout the summer creating a never-ending cycle of boom-bust dieting and sporadic exercise. If you’re ready to create a health and wellness plan for the summer that’ll have you feeling incredible, here are some tips on how to keep your health in check during summer.

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Hydrate

Yes, we know all about the old (though accurate) adage of “drink eight glasses of water per day,” but take it one step further over the summer and add a touch of “summer” to your water by infusing it with herbs or seasonal fruit. Strawberry or melon water, or a sparkling water mixed with freshly squeezed lemon, lime or grapefruit is incredibly refreshing and super low in calories.

Exercise Early

The warm summer months may seem ideally suited to an outdoor exercise plan, but the elevated temperatures can actually work against you and make working out a chore – not to mention potentially dangerous. Instead, work out in the morning, get it out of the way during the cooler time of the day, and you’ll protect yourself from the intense rays of the sun, minimize your exposure to the heat, and set yourself up to feel wonderful all day.

Sauna Time

Though you may want to finish your workout in the morning, relax from the stresses of the day and cap off the perfect summer evening by taking time in a sauna. You’ll feel truly relaxed, you’ll soothe your joints and muscles after a long day, and you’ll likely improve your quality of sleep. Hydration and exercise are the perfect complements to time in the sauna, too.

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Create Meal Plans

Summertime eating isn’t about elaborate formal lunches and dinners. Rather, take the time to plan out meals a few days in advance, focus on lighter fare that allows you to take advantage of local farmer’s markets and seasonal items, and eat as healthy as possible to support your overall mission of good health and wellness over the summer. Sure, you can indulge here and there, but it feels a lot better to eat healthfully than to over eat. Planning meals ahead of time lets you enjoy the summer instead of worrying about grocery shopping each day.

Use Smaller Plates

How can this possibly correlate to healthy habits over the summer? Research has shown that by using smaller plates (going from 12” diameter plates to 10”), study participants reduced their caloric intake by about 20% each meal. We tend to naturally eat lighter foods in the summer like grilled kebabs, tapa-style snacks, and plenty of fruit. Combine this summer diet with the help of a smaller plate, and you most likely will eat less food, take in fewer calories, and potentially lose a couple of pounds per month without really trying.

Do a Summer Cleanse

Part of boosting your sense of health and wellness over the summer is creating a home environment that is as healthy as possible – and that means keeping a tidy, organized and clutter-free home. Declutter your home, go through your pantries and get rid of junk food, and clean hard surfaces with a “green” or natural cleaner. This is a great time to get rid of old clothes (you can donate these easily), junk in the basement or garage, and even caustic cleaning supplies that may be emitting harmful contaminants into the air in your home.

Get Social

One of the healthiest things you can do to boost your sense of wellbeing is surrounding yourself with people you care about and have fun with. Plan backyard get-togethers with family members, attend sporting events with friends and encourage your children to do the same so they’re socialized as much as possible over the summer.

Enjoy Being Outside

Nature has a way of making everything just a little bit better, and our bodies are predisposed to react positively to the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. Eat dinner al fresco, spend time in the garden, take leisurely walks after dinner, visit the beach or lake at night instead of during the day for a unique experience, or simply drive with the windows down on your way to work or throughout the day.

Build a Garden

You can either build something small in the backyard or go all out and flex your green thumb to the max. Either way, summer is the perfect time to start this project – and it is incredibly fun to do with kids. You can build or plant a garden for a minimal upfront investment, then reap the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables over the summer.  A garden is a great tool for teaching kids about responsibility, too.

 

Go Camping

For an inexpensive and rejuvenating twist on the summer vacation, get out in nature and bring along the troops. Set up the tent, cook food over the fire, go for a hike – as mild or wild as you want it, and simply tune out the distractions of the world. There is something to be said for living an elemental lifestyle – even if it’s only for a few days.

This summer, take the time to prioritize healthy living and create activities and goals that will have you feeling your best. From spending time in the sauna to eating healthy, fresh meals, the summer is your time to focus on maximizing your sense of wellbeing and boosting your vitality.

SUMMER SWEAT: BENEFITS OF SWEATING IN THE SUMMER

With the hottest months of the year quickly approaching, many of us will soon fail in our attempts to avoid a little perspiration. But that summer sweat may not be such a bad thing. Along with sweat serving as our very own built-in air conditioner, sweating it out can have many other surprising health benefits you may have never known about. Not only are there many benefits of sweating for our bodies, but it helps keep our beauty regimens keep on track as well.

Along with sweat promoting our general health and well-being, research has shown that sweating, especially in terms of sweating in a sauna, can reduce the risk of death due to heart problems. This is due to the similarities of a sauna experience with exercise. Sitting in a sauna increases the heart rate makes you sweat.  How else can adding sauna sessions help you this summer?

Here are the top seven benefits of sweating:

It Cools You Down

The most direct benefit of sweating, which many of us already recognize as its ultimate purpose, is to maintain our body temperature and keep us from overheating. When our heart rate increases, speeding up our blood flow and warming us up, that is the cue for our bodies to release sweat. When sweat evaporates off the skin, it serves as a cooling mechanism to prevent overheating. Even though we sweat when we feel our hottest, it’s actually our body’s way of helping us cool down.

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It Eases Pain

Did you wake up with back pain? Are you sore from yesterday’s workout? The best way to relieve your pain may be to work up a sweat. It might be very tempting to skip this step since pain will make you want to stay sidelined. But trust us, increasing your heart rate and working up a sweat is one of the best things you can do for your pain while sitting around will just make you even more stiff and sore. When you are experiencing pain, you can still sweat it out in a quick 15-minute sauna session. It will help eliminate toxins, relax the body, and ease sore muscles.

It Clears Up Your Skin

You know those pesky blackheads that you just can’t seem to get rid of, no matter how much you scrub? Set down the face masks, because sweat can actually help eliminate blackheads and other blemishes. Sweating doubles as a natural pore cleanser since your pores open up and release the build up inside of them when you sweat. This is most effective only if you cleanse immediately after you sweat. If you skip washing off for a while after a sweat session, then you are allowing all the grime that has been released from your pores to stay resting on your skin.

It Gets Rid of Toxins

Our bodies are subject to a lot of toxins throughout our everyday lives. They come from the pollution in the air, our food, and are even created naturally inside the body. Sweating is a great way to expel those toxins from the body, which serves to better your immune system. Proper immune system function is very important in that it protects us from little illnesses like the common cold, and even more serious diseases. The benefits of sweating can also help get rid of substances in your system like alcohol, cholesterol, and salt. Hit the treadmill, go for a bike ride, and spend time hanging out in a sauna to work up a summer sweat and detoxify your body to feel better.

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It Prevents Illness

Along with keeping our immune systems healthy by ridding our bodies of the toxins, working up a sweat helps prevent us from getting sick. There are many viruses and bacteria that thrive at our regular body temperature, but die off when our bodies heat up to above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Studies have shown that human sweat serves as a natural germ shield. We can confidently say that no one likes being slowed down by sickness, so sweating it out every now and then is not such a bad idea.

It Makes You Happier

Along with the sense of accomplishment you are probably feeling from working out, working up a sweat releases endorphins, which make you happy. Sweating helps relieve stress and promote relaxation due to our bodies heating up. Next time you’re feeling stressed out or need a break to clear your mind, think about hitting up a hot yoga class or taking a few minutes for yourself in the sauna to ease your mind, feel rejuvenated, and embrace the benefits of sweating.

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It Helps You Avoid Kidney Stones

One of the lesser known benefits of sweating is that doing so lowers the risk of getting kidney stones. Research has shown that sweating helps you get rid of salt and keep calcium in your bones. This helps keep those elements from your kidneys where small stones will form. The more frequently you find yourself sweating the better. Make sure to stay properly hydrated when you do sweat – whether that is through exercise or in a sauna. Staying hydrated also helps prevent those pesky kidney stones.

Whether you break a sweat this summer in a sauna, hitting the gym, playing outside, or all of the above, sweating is a favor to your body that will definitely be worth the extra shower you may have to take. Embrace the heat this summer and sweat it out!

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES FOR PARENTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT

It’s Monday morning, and you are late taking the kids to school. You can’t find your keys under the stack of unread mail on the dining room table, and you have yet to prepare for the conference call you have at 10:00 AM. Juggling between work, family, and other personal obligations, parents deal with a lot of stress every day. The never ending, to-do list of dishes, laundry, carpool, work and dinner can feel impossible and overwhelming at times, leading to parental stress. If you feel constantly pulled in a million different directions, here are a few relaxation methods to help busy parents relax and manage stress better.

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Get Up Early

Whether it is getting up an hour earlier or just five minutes, set some time aside for yourself before the day begins. Before making breakfast, waking the kids up for school, and feeding the dog, take a deep breath and enjoy a few extra minutes to yourself. Pour a nice warm cup of coffee or tea and gather your thoughts. When you allow yourself a little extra time in the morning, it can make a huge impact on how the rest of your day is going to pan out. Deliberately allocating time for yourself is one of the best ways to relax your mind and body to alleviate some parental stress.

Exercise

Exercise is not everyone’s favorite activity to relax, but it’s a beneficial one. There is growing research that exercise can reduce stress, even if it is just a 10-minute workout routine at home. Getting your heart pumping and blood flowing can do wonders for a heightened stress level. And you can even find ways to incorporate your family into your exercise routine. Find the time for you and your partner to hit the gym or take the kids for a walk around the block. Whatever it is, any sort of physical activity can produce endorphins that act as natural painkillers in the brain. This can help improve your mood and ability to sleep, making you feel relaxed even the next day. Exercising can also make you feel better about yourself, boosting your confidence and ability to tackle the day.

Take a Deep Breath

As simple as this may sound, taking one to three deep breaths when you feel like you are about to explode allows parents a chance to regroup before they become too overwhelmed. Breathing is one thing that you can control in your busy day, so take advantage of it. Use slow deep breaths to release any tension you may be feeling. Dr. Andrew Weil believes “practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.” He recommends three breathing techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety levels: The Stimulating Breath, the 4-7-8 exercise, and breath counting. So, next time you are late to pick the kids up from practice or forget to put dinner in the oven, take a few minutes to try one of these exercises and see how you feel.

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Write it Down

As a busy parent, you likely often wake up with an abundance of things to do and a million things on your mind. One way to cope with this chaos and parental stress is to make a list. Writing down all the things you need to do that day allows the opportunity to feel more organized in a way that can help you prioritize visually. It also feels great to check things off that list making you feel more accomplished as the day goes on. Writing down the instances throughout the day that stresses you out can also help alleviate anxiety. Dr. Sarah Edelman, a clinical psychologist and author of Change Your Thinking (ABC Books), believes writing down your worries and saying you will come back to them at another time is a simple psychological trick that will help you forget about them for the time being. Commit to things that you know you can handle now and come back to the rest at another time.

Set Smaller Goals

It’s easy for parents to get caught up in being the best. And the truth is, it is impossible to be perfect. Instead of stressing yourself out by being head of the PTA or soccer coach for your child’s team, start first by making smaller goals for yourself. If you are stressed out about making breakfast again, set a new goal: “I will go in the kitchen and start a pot of coffee.” Mary LoVerde, a work-life balance expert, says taking “microactions” like these can help us more calmly approach overwhelming tasks. As small as these goals may seem, they can be influential in helping you get through the task at hand. Taking smaller steps can make it easier for one to reach their overall goal.

Head to the Sauna

Don’t have enough time to enjoy a day at the spa? Head to the sauna. Not only do saunas reduce stress, but they also cleanse skin, induce a deeper sleep and help relax muscles soothing any aches/pains. And these are only a few of the many health benefits of sweating it out. We suggest at least 20 minutes in the sauna daily to help alleviate stress and tension. Infrared saunas use less steam and fewer intense heat settings than a traditional sauna, helping to create a more comfortable experience. The infrared sauna also detoxifies your body much more efficiently than traditional saunas. A few minutes of your day is all you need to leave your body feeling revived and relaxed.

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Take a Day Off

You deserve it. Grab lunch with friends or plan a night out on the town. Either way, some time off from the kids and spouse can distance you from the daily routine and allow your mind time to unwind. Getting out of the house will help you relax and think about other things than those dirty dishes in the sink. Finding time to take off may be hard, but it is well worth it. So, get out that calendar and start planning. Your way toward less parental stress.