QUESTIONS MOST OFTEN ASKED ABOUT STEAMBATHING

What is steam?
Quite simply, steam is hot vapour created by the action of heating a liquid, water, to its gaseous state, steam.

Why isn't steam too hot for the human body?
Boil a pot of water until it starts steaming. When you hold your hand close to the water, it's very hot and uncomfortable. But if you hold your hand about a foot above the boiling water, you'll get a warm soothing feeling. Your hand eventually becomes wet, as the steam condenses on it. So, in the steam bath, your body is always far enough away from the steam source to avoid any discomfort.

But I've heard steam is dangerous.
You're thinking of industrial situations where steam is used to run machinery and heat plants. In those cases, the steam is usually superheated and kept under excessive pressure. In a steambath, the steam is constantly flowing, and not subjected to any unusual heat or pressure.

What are the benefits of a steambath?
A steambath is one of the most marvelous things you can do for your body! It opens pores, flushes out grime and bacteria, clears sinuses and nasal passages, soothes muscle aches and helps you breathe easier. Follow your steambath with a warm shower and you'll sleep like a baby. Follow it with a cold shower and you'll be invigorated like never before.

Can a steambath alleviate stress?
Like nothing else. And that's especially important in our fast-paced society. The steambath offers a needed respite from the cares of the day. Its warm soothing mist gently embraces and calms you down. You close your eyes, breathe deeply, and feel your tensions just melt away.

Where can I take a steambath?
Until now, steambaths were not readily available to most people. They were usually the preserve of those privileged few who belong to "Members Only" Health Clubs or could afford to go to an exclusive spa for pampered treatment. There are some public baths, but they're not very private or not easily accessible. Now in-home steambaths are fast becoming the bath amenity of choice for the new millenium.

How can I get a steambath for my home?
Fiat makes steam bathing available anytime, anywhere... .for your home, your office, or your cottage. Drop in to your nearest Fiat plumbing dealer or call us direct for your free colorful brochures describing the complete line of Fiat acrylic steam suites.

Won't the steam ruin my bathroom walls?
The steam is kept contained in the tub or shower area by the special vapour-proof doors that are on all steam enclosures. These doors provide a complete seal to enclose the steam in where you want it, with you.

What if I fall asleep in my steambath?
Enjoy the snooze. The timer automatically shuts the bath off.

Does steambathing help me lose weight?
Steambathing will cause your body to lose water, which may result in a temporary weight loss. However, it takes a committed program of exercise and diet to help you reduce permanently. The steambath, however, is a wonderful way to reward yourself after a good workout.

I've heard steambathing is bad for high blood pressure.
A steambath raises body temperature and increases circulation, thus affecting the body like vigorous exercise. Therefore, sensible precautions should always be observed. If you're under a doctor's care or taking medication for any reason, consult with your doctor before undertaking steam or any kind of stimulating new program.

Can a steambath cure a cold?
Probably not. But it's certainly a help, especially for sinuses and nasal passages to make breathing easier. Remember the old method of treating a cold by breathing hot steam from a pot with a towel over your head?

Can a steambath be part of my exercise program?
Jog. Play golf or tennis. Run 3 miles. Work up a good sweat... then jump into the steambath for about 10 minutes. Shower off. You'll feel delightfully rejuvenated.

Will a steambath ruin my hair-do?
Steam is moisture. So your hair will get as wet as if you washed it. If you don't want to re-shampoo your hair, wear a shower cap or wrap a thick towel around your head.

Does a steambath really clean better than a bath or shower?
Yes. The heat of a steambath opens the body's pores as the warm moisture flushes them out, washing away the grimiest dirt and skin bacteria. If you're spending half your life scrubbing kids in the tub, let them take a steambath for a few minutes. You'll be amazed at how clean they get!

Do doctors recommend steambathing?
Frequently. Steambathing is known to be extremely helpful for people with respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, allergies, etc. It can also work wonders in helping to soothe muscles, rheumatism, bursitis, etc.

In terms of energy efficiency ~ how does steambathing rate?
Very high. Some generators for home use are so energy efficient, they use only about 1-1/2 quarts of water during a 15 minute steambath. In comparison, a regular shower can use up to 40 gallons during the same amount of time.

How do I know if I have room for a steambath?
Space is seldom a problem. The steam generators are roughly the size of a small toolbox, and are powerful enough to be installed up to 15-20 feet away from the steambath area. Only the small steamhead is visible in the bath or shower. The actual steam generator is commonly located out of sight in the attic, basement, adjoining closet, or under the sink.

Why should I get a steam suite now?
To give you and your family one of the most beneficial, soothing, healthful and exhilarating experiences they've ever had. To take advantage of the affordable availability of Fiat steamsuites. To add style, beauty and value to your home. And because you've eamed it!

FIAT PRODUCTS
255 Hutchings Street Winnipeg, MB R2X 2R4
www.fiat.ca