HOT WEATHER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 16 December 1937, Page 10

HOT WEATHER

HEALTH HINTS

((ronlriluiled liv the Hep,id incut of) ilealth) ll is possible I'm' stiiniixt discomfort, to b' due to tlie bent. There are days - and nights—-w hen almost anybody would have a. ri l;liL to complain, but. so many other things can ho contributing causes, that they are worthy of consideraI ion. lake our food for instance. If wo cut the same things in December that we did in duly we are apt to he uncomfortable! no matter what the thermometer says, hood provides growth, energy and heat.

SIMPLICITY FOR SUMMER Si ni[ile and easily digested food with liberal proportions of fresh green vegetables and fruits form the basis of the best summer diet. On the whole the general rule is that animal foods shonld be more sparingly used in summer and the proportion of vegetable matter in the diet relatively increased. fee cream and fruit ices arc good summer foods if eaten slowly and in moderation. .Milk, either as a drink or included in foods is of value the year round. During hot weather much more fluid is needed on account of increased water evaporation from the skin. Consequently water consumption should be adequate during the summer. Perspiration is nature’s method of cooling us off. The water we drink provides the means with wicli this apparatus works. CLOTHING j | Proper clothing is of concern particularly to men; women already know how to dress for comfort. In summer clothing should he diminished rather than food. Since the body is automatically cooled by perspiration, this function should he! allowed to operate freely. Clothing! must be light in weight, well ventilated | and cut to lit comfortably. Thus in warm j weather we sec the obvious advantages of openings at the neck and wrist that are so characteristic of women's attire, and the obvious disadvantage to (lie mere j man of his cumbersome and almost hermetically sealed clothing. Comfort should come before I vie. Bathing and cool shower help (o reduce weariness and to add to our comfort and energy. Baths arc like foods—not always do the cold ( ones produce the most comfort in hut 1 weather. Sometimes a tepid bath just - before retiring is southing and quieting. '

VENTILATION FOR COMFORT When natural ventilation is difficult ail electric fan is an effective and inexpensive substitute. The fan does not change the air temperature but its beneficial results are very evident just the same. Aitshould never be allowed to become stagnant. Homes usually have to depend upon outdoor air for ventilation, and it should be admitted in liberal quantities. Open windows at night arc recommended. Excessive beating can often be prevented by keeping rooms properly shaded, and aired during the early morning hours and during the cool spells.

REST AND EXERCISE During hot weather occasional rest periods are beneficial. Rest can best be secured by sitting in a comfortable chaii with arm rests, or lying on a couch or bed at full length, with as much quiet as possible. To avoid excessive fatigue in hot weather it is essential that the proper amount of sleep should be secured. Exercise should be suitable to the age, occupation and strength of the individual. Stimulants and narcotics usually make summer heat more difficult. Keeping busy at something interesting goes a long way to make one forget the heat. This is one of the many physical adversities that can be alleviated by the mind. Ret your aim he: eat wisely, dress cool and live cool. Remember, "This heat, too, shall pass.”