Heat and cold water are a lot of fun, and they're also hard work for your body. Your heart rate goes up in the sauna, your blood pressure shifts quickly when you go from hot to cold, and a hot bath does some of the same. For most people that's the good part, and for some people it's worth a word with a doctor first.

Please check with your doctor before you book if

• you're pregnant (we advise against the sauna and hot bath during pregnancy, so talk to your doctor or midwife)
• you have a heart condition, or high or low blood pressure
• you have any other medical condition, or take any medication, that heat or cold could affect

Please save it for another day if

• you've been drinking, because alcohol and heat together can make you faint
• you're feeling unwell, have a temperature, or have a cold, flu or tummy bug. Call us and we'll talk about moving your booking.

Saunas are hard on small bodies too, so we don't advise the sauna for small children.

On the day

• Eat something light beforehand. An empty or very full stomach makes the heat harder.
• Drink plenty of water before and during your session.
• Start with short rounds and build up.
• Get out straight away if you feel dizzy, faint, sick or your heart is racing, then sit somewhere cool, sip some water and tell someone.
• Keep an eye on each other.

In an emergency, call 000. The address is 2-4 Tivey St, Newstead.

If you're unsure about any of this, ask your doctor. We'd much sooner see you next month than have you feel rotten today.