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Gym-Goer’s Tragic Death Sparks Sauna Safety Concerns
The fatal heatstroke of 75-year-old Mileva Brooks after a sauna session at her local gym has ignited concerns about sauna safety and potential health risks associated with the increasingly popular practice. Ms. Brooks’ case underscores the importance of understanding sauna dangers and taking necessary precautions to avoid life-threatening complications. Her family is now seeking legal action, further highlighting the critical need for gym chains and individuals to prioritize sauna safety.
Tragic Incident at Local Gym
On August 26, 2022, Mileva Brooks, 75, visited the sauna at her local fitness center. After reviewing the displayed safety guidelines, she entered the heated, wood-lined room at 2:15 PM, anticipating a moment of relaxation. However, the intended tranquil afternoon rapidly devolved into a critical health emergency.
Fellow gym patrons soon became alarmed when they observed Ms. Brooks exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. Promptly, a concerned individual activated the emergency alarm, alerting gym personnel. Staff intervened, and the sauna unit was deactivated at 3:16 PM.
Paramedics responded swiftly, transporting Ms. Brooks to Cheltenham General Hospital. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed three days later.
A subsequent inquest in September 2023 determined heatstroke as the definitive cause of death – a perilous condition arising from severe overheating that can lead to organ failure.
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Legal Action Following Heatstroke Fatality
Recently, it emerged that Milanka Brooks, the daughter of Mileva Brooks, is pursuing legal recourse against Everlast, the gym operator overseeing the sauna facility where the heatstroke incident occurred.
Ms. Brooks, 41, a recognized actress with appearances in the Netflix series “Black Mirror,” is reportedly seeking £100,000 in damages. Frasers Group, the parent company of Everlast gyms, has yet to formally respond to the legal claim.
The actress frequently expressed deep affection for her mother, describing her on social media as “the light and inspiration of my life,” “partner in crime,” and “best friend.”
Rising Concerns Over Sauna-Related Incidents
The case of Mileva Brooks is not an isolated incident, raising broader concerns about sauna risks in the UK. Earlier this year, in Birmingham, a woman in her 70s experienced a heart attack and multiple organ failure triggered by heatstroke from sauna use. She was hospitalized for 12 days but survived.
Global studies indicate that, statistically, approximately two out of every 100,000 sauna sessions result in fatalities. Experts are now cautioning about a potential increase in sauna-related deaths in the UK.
Expert Warnings on Sauna Dangers
According to specialists, the escalating popularity of saunas in the UK contributes to a greater risk of incidents. Many new sauna users lack awareness of essential safety measures and common mistakes that can lead to dangerous health issues. Furthermore, certain individuals face a heightened susceptibility to sauna-related ailments compared to the general population.
Dr. Matt Maley, a body temperature regulation expert at Loughborough University, emphasizes, “Saunas provide numerous health benefits, but they are not without risk.”
He elaborates, “In our research facility, we rigorously monitor subjects’ body temperature in heated environments. We immediately cease experiments if temperatures reach critical levels. Sauna users can inadvertently elevate their body temperatures to similar critical points without any monitoring or immediate intervention.”
Understanding Sauna Safety and Risks
Saunas are enclosed, wood-constructed rooms typically heated to around 80°C (176°F), originating from Finnish tradition. Proponents cite various health benefits of saunas, including stress reduction and muscle ache alleviation. However, research increasingly points to significant advantages for cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Sauna Use
A longitudinal study from 2015, tracking 2,300 Finnish men for two decades, revealed that frequent sauna users (four to seven times weekly) exhibited a lower incidence of fatal heart attacks and strokes compared to non-users.
Sauna Popularity and Potential Risks
The UK is experiencing a surge in sauna popularity, with public sauna facilities tripling since 2023, now numbering around 150 nationwide. Celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Rita Ora, have publicly endorsed sauna use, further boosting its appeal.
However, experts warn increased usage translates to a higher number of individuals at risk of sauna-related health emergencies.
Heatstroke and Cardiovascular Strain
One significant sauna danger is triggering complications in individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions. Dr. Maley explains, “Saunas exert considerable stress on the heart. A typical resting heart rate of 60 bpm can rapidly increase to 110 or even 130 bpm in a sauna. This cardiac stress can precipitate severe cardiovascular events like heart attacks in those with pre-existing, unknown heart problems.”
He adds, “This stress can also dislodge blood clots, leading to potentially fatal blockages.” However, experts concur that heatstroke poses the most significant and common threat in sauna-related deaths.
Heatstroke: A Major Sauna Risk
Normal human body temperature averages around 37°C (98.6°F). Research indicates heatstroke onset typically begins at a body temperature of 40°C (104°F). At this point, the body’s cooling mechanisms fail, resulting in organ damage, particularly to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys.
Dr. Maley cautions that harm can initiate even before reaching 40°C. “Temperatures exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) can start inducing bodily problems, and such temperatures are easily attainable in a sauna.”
Recognizing Heatstroke Symptoms
Therefore, recognizing early heatstroke symptoms is crucial. These include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle cramps
Ben Wright, an exercise physiology lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, advises, “If you experience any of these symptoms in a sauna, exit immediately.”
Groups at Higher Risk of Heatstroke
Older individuals, especially those over 75, face an elevated risk of heatstroke. Wright explains, “With age, the body’s ability to cool down becomes less efficient. This explains the higher incidence of heat-related fatalities among the elderly during heatwaves. Declining numbers of active sweat glands impede effective cooling, causing the body to overheat and increase heatstroke susceptibility.”
However, heatstroke can affect anyone, particularly with prolonged sauna exposure exceeding recommended durations.
Sauna Duration and Dehydration Risks
Guidelines suggest inexperienced sauna users limit sessions to 10-15 minutes to minimize health risks. Prof. Mike Tipton, a human physiology expert at the University of Portsmouth, notes, “Many individuals exceed recommended times, attempting to maximize value for their paid sauna session by staying longer.”
Dehydration significantly increases heatstroke risk by impairing sweat production. Entering a sauna immediately after exercise, when already dehydrated, further elevates danger.
Risks of Cold Water and Alcohol
Surprisingly, using saunas after cold water immersion, like swimming, also presents risks. Cold water immersion increases urine production, leading to dehydration. Prof. Tipton points out, “The growing trend of beachside saunas may exacerbate dehydration, especially with alternating sauna and cold-water exposure.”
Alcohol and Solo Sauna Use: Added Dangers
Alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor in sauna deaths. Studies reveal approximately half of sauna-related fatalities involve alcohol, which dehydrates the body and impairs blood pressure regulation, hindering responses to elevated temperatures.
Moreover, using saunas alone is riskier than with companions. Solo users lack immediate assistance to recognize heatstroke symptoms and help them exit the sauna promptly. The Mileva Brooks case exemplifies this increased risk associated with solitary sauna use.
Sauna Safety Guidelines and Recommendations
Ben Wright offers key advice for beginner sauna users: “Avoid alcohol, and always use saunas with another person. And, most importantly, be mindful of session duration and stay within recommended time limits.”