Going to Saunas May Help Keep the Heart Healthy

April 24, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. sauna / ˈsɔ nə, ˈsaʊ- / (n.) – a room with a very high temperature where people sit to sweat
Example: I sweat a lot in the sauna.

2.  frequency /ˈfri kwən si/ (n.) – the number of times something happens or occurs
Example: The experts monitored the frequency of storms in the country.

3. in hopes of / ɪn hoʊps ɒv / (idiom) – wishing for something to happen
Example:  He repeated the experiment in hopes of getting a different result.

4. circulation /ˌsɜr kyəˈleɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the continuous flow or movement of blood throughout the body
Example: I have a healthy blood circulation.

5. perspiration /ˈpɜr spəˈreɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the act of sweating
Example: Excessive perspiration may cause dehydration.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A recent study finds a link between going to saunas and having a healthier heart.

Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues from the University of Eastern Finland conducted the study by tracking the frequency of sauna use among 2,315 middle-aged men. The researchers monitored these men for over two decades in hopes of finding its link with heart-related problems. Specifically, the researchers looked into the deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease.

The study found that men who went to saunas more often were those who had a lower risk of dying of a heart-related disease. Going to saunas twice or thrice a week reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death by 22%, fatal coronary heart disease by 23%, and fatal cardiovascular disease by 27%.

For men who visited saunas four to seven times a week, the risk of sudden cardiac death fell by 63%, fatal coronary heart disease by 48%, and fatal cardiovascular disease by 50%.

These results may be associated with how the high heat in saunas forces the heart to pump more blood, which improves blood circulation. The temperature inside a sauna can reach up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit [FAR-uh n-hahyt].

Aside from its health benefits to the heart, going to saunas can also lower a person’s blood pressure. It can also help lessen stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and treat common cold. The heat in saunas also facilitates detoxification, during which the body gets rid of toxins through perspiration.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         After reading the article, would you go to saunas more often? Why or why not?
·         What do you think can be the dangers of regularly going to saunas? Kindly discuss your answer.


Discussion B

·         How else can a person maintain a healthy heart? Kindly discuss your answer.
·         In your opinion, what habits can harm a person’s heart? Please explain briefly.

April 24, 2015