I just stumbled across some incredibly welcome news, especially since the chilly temperatures have given me a mild case of the mid-winter blahs.

New research shows that heat — and I mean the kind that makes us feel pampered, not scorched — has wide-ranging health benefits.

This may not be news to Scandanavians and any others who have long championed the healing powers of a sauna or hot tub. In fact, many believe that heat therapies also reduce pain, suppress appetite and alleviate mild depression, among other things. But it seems that the ever-skeptical medical community is beginning to come around.

According to a recent article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer, raising the body's core temperature in saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs increases blood flow, which ultimately benefits our immune and circulatory systems.

According to experts, an increase in our core temperature causes our peripheral arteries to dilate. This in turn pumps more oxygen and nutrients through our bodies, stimulating healing in our muscles and organs.

It also relaxes our skeletal muscles, easing stress and tension. You probably already knew that. Still, the article had a few tips on how to maximize health benefits while indulging in a soak or steam.

• First things first: seek doctor approval and/or exercise caution if you're at risk for cardiac, stroke or blood pressure conditions. 

• Heat dries out skin (a problem for those prone to itchy skin and wrinkles.) Saunas, in particular, can take a toll on our skin due to their dry heat. Pack along your richest moisturizer and slather it on afterwards.

• A general rule-of-thumb is that hot tubs and soaks will raise core body temperatures fast. Steam rooms are a bit slower, and saunas are usually the slowest to raise core body temperatures. Take care not to overheat.

• If you've got access to a cold up or plunge, spend 10 minutes in the heat and then take a cold dip. The hot/cold contrast is great for the immune system, say experts.

• If you're fending off a cold or virus, a trip to the steam room is a great way to relieve respitory congestion.

I'm convinced. And now I've got good reasons to linger at the gym instead of dashing out the door as soon as my workout is over.

Meanwhile, I think a hot bath may be in order later tonight.