Hot tubs and personal health: Tips for safe soaking practices

Hot tubs and personal health: Tips for safe soaking practices

Laconically speaking, you're yearning for a warm soak after a tiresome day, and that bubbly hot tub is chocolate for your bones. Yet, is it safe for everyone to indulge? And are you risking bacterial infections by escaping into the warm bubbles? Integrative medicine physician Irina Todorov sheds light on the do's and don'ts of hot tub relaxation with an eye on your well-being.

Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, provides the following unbiased advice, which does not endorse any products or services.

Steaming into the hot tub – safety first!

The comforting warmth of hot water eases muscle tension and soothes aching joints while mightily lifting your spirits. Indeed, Dr. Todorov agrees, "Submerging yourself in a hot tub may even have positive implications for your mental health."

However, the pleasure comes with certain risks – depending on your health status.

"Jumping into a hot tub can bear consequences for those who are under the weather or who struggle with specific conditions," warns Dr. Todorov. Let's delve deeper.

Mind your health matters

Before taking the plunge, consider the following potential health threats:

Heart issues

A slight increase in body temperature, as experienced while soaking in a hot tub, can put stress on your heart due to an increase in blood pressure. "So, if you have heart disease, the body's heating up process may not be suitable for you," explains Dr. Todorov. If your doctor has advised against intense physical activity, hot tubbing should also be off the table.

Pregnancy

Looking for back relief? A hot tub might not be the best option during pregnancy. "Using a hot tub during gestation could potentially harm the developing fetus," cautions Dr. Todorov. She advises that it's best to avoid hot tubs or saunas entirely during pregnancy – especially during the first trimester.

If you're in your second or third trimester and feel the need for a warm soak, try out your own bathtub instead. "It's easier to control the water temperature, thus minimizing the risk of overheating," she adds. Plus, water in a home bathtub tends to have fewer harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive pregnant skin.

Seizures

Seizures while in a hot tub can pose drowning risks if there isn't someone nearby to assist. "If you suffer from epilepsy or any seizure disorder, only use a hot tub with a trusted companion," advises Dr. Todorov. Your partner should know how to respond if you have a seizure and be ready to pull you out of the hot tub.

If a person experiences a seizure while in a hot tub:

1. Get them out of the water as quickly as possible.
2. Gently lay them on the ground and roll them onto their side.
3. Place a soft and flat object, such as a folded towel or a life jacket, under their head.
4. Call 911 immediately.

Substances (booze, marijuana, and others)

Consuming alcoholic beverages or smoking marijuana or using other mind-altering substances can diminish your awareness – which, of course, ain't safe for hot tubbing. "While under the influence, you may not notice when you're overheating, or you might even fall asleep in the hot tub," notes Dr. Todorov. Play it safe and adopt caution.

Medications causing drowsiness

Falling asleep in a hot tub can be downright dangerous. Many medications come with the warning label, "may cause drowsiness." If your medication bears such a label, skip the hot tub post-intake to avoid slipping off into dreamland in the water.

Hot tubs – temples of germs

Germophobes, listen up! Hot tubs and swimming pools can make you ill if they're not properly cleaned and maintained. But even if a hot tub appears pristine, it can serve as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

"Chlorine serves as an excellent germ fighter – but it can't annihilate every microscopic enemy lurking in the water," says Dr. Todorov.

Here's a list of some malicious germs that might be hiding in your hot tub:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia
• Legionella
• Norovirus
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

According to Dr. Todorov, the best method to avoid bacterial infections is by following these guidelines:

1. Examine your skin: Avoid hot tubs if you have cuts or open sores. Bandages won't keep germs out or in.
2. Adhere to cleaning and maintenance guidelines: If you're a hot tub owner, read the manufacturer's guidelines for proper upkeep. That includes checking the pH levels, chemical balance, and cleanliness.
3. Give the hot tub a once-over: Steer clear of hot tubs that look dirty or have signs of mold, slime, or discolored water.
4. Sit upright: Keep your mug safely above the water, never letting it touch, and avert swallowing any water.
5. Stay away if you've been ill: Avoid using a hot tub or swimming if you've been vomiting or had diarrhea in the last five days.
6. Clean up: Before and after hot tubbing, wash your hands thoroughly and rinse off in the shower.

Soak time

Plan your hot tub session to last no longer than 15 minutes – or shorter, if you start feeling woozy, dizzy, or dehydrated. Extended soaking can lead to overheating or an unwanted drop in your blood pressure. Additionally, soaking can exacerbate existing muscle injuries by further inflaming the affected area.

If your health is A-OK and you're not expecting, you can enjoy a refreshing hot tub soak safely – provided you keep the water temperature below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and remain vigilant about your body's reactions. Exit the hot tub if you feel nauseated, light-headed, or experience a headache.

"Hot tubbing provides a fantastic sensation because of its rejuvenating effects – this is why so many people embrace it," says Dr. Todorov. "By practicing a few safety precautions and maintaining diligence on germ eradication, you can peacefully enjoy a revitalizing soak."

1. Irina Todorov, an integrative medicine physician, highlights the importance of considering one's health before jumping into a hot tub, as it may pose risks for individuals with heart issues, heart disease, epilepsy, or certain medication-induced drowsiness.
2. Pregnant women are advised to avoid hot tubs, particularly during the first trimester, due to potential harm to the developing fetus.
3. Hot tubs can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Legionella, Norovirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and it's crucial to follow guidelines for cleaning, maintenance, and personal hygiene to avoid infections.
4. For a safe and rejuvenating hot tub experience, one should limit soaking time to 15 minutes, maintain water temperature below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), and exit the tub if feeling nauseated, light-headed, or developing a headache.

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