HOT WEATHER HYGIENE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19857, 30 January 1928, Page 5

HOT WEATHER HYGIENE.

i KEEPING COOL. . 'A ' How to keep cool and yet enjoy fie pleasant sunshine demands ingenuity on tlie part of the housekeeper. Have you tried shutting up all the windows during the heat of the dayv and pulling down the blinds as -far as they will go when the sun strikes Ml on Chetri ? Tho front and back doors may be left open, so as to allow a current of cool air to pass through the house; but be sure lo screen the openings with linen curtains. Awnings over the windows are also a great help, and when made of gaily striped material they give tho outside of the house a very attractive appearance. As soon as the sun sets let the blinds up and throw the windows open. Let the rooms soak in all the cool, frtsh evening air they can hold. All night long the Windows may be loft open, provided the blinds are drawn to keop out the early morning sun. It is uninterrupted sunlight, pouring in and intensified by glass windows, that makes our homes so unbearable hot. Knowing this, we can protect ourselves. In hot countries like Italy, where intense heat has to be coped with every year, all the houses are built with deep, shady porches and balconies, so that the sunshine never strikes directly on to a door or. a window. Another important step toward keeping cool is to eliminate unnecessary work. In Summer, " empty " rooms are really more comfortable than the well-Elled, cosy rooms that cheer us. in winter. So let us take a look round to discover ."how much wo can banish. All heavy ,; hangings should, of course, we put even cushions and plush-covered furtiiture can be given fresh cretonne covers.' to make üßniu ßn i coo ' er - Rugs arid carpcta should be removed from the 'floor; it is best to have plain boards or linoleum that can be mopped over with water in the early morning to remove dust and microbes. Potted plants provide a cheepi touch in place of dust-collecting oraaments.. If cut flowers are used, they should be changed frequently, fpr nothing is more depressing than half-withered blooms. Leave polished tables bare, or place a narrow runner along tie middle, and make good use of large bowls and jug 3 and tumblers—the very sight of lemonade and salad and fruit is' cheerine on a hot day. <?, ;? For meals serve plenty of custards, junkets and ices with fresh or tinned fruit. Tne family should have one hot meal a day, but this can be served in the evening.