KEEPING COOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21991, 24 December 1934, Page 6

KEEPING COOL

HINTS FOR SUMMER

VENTILATION IN HOMES CLOTHING AND FOOD A study of several important items associated with the daily routine of living and the manner in which they can be adapted to suit the hot weather conditions, will assist in avoiding much discomfort. In this "article, the Department of Health gives a number of helpful summer hints.

For instance, in the home, excessive heating can be prevented by keeping rooms properly shaded and aired during the early morning hours and during cool spoils. At other times the inside air can be kept in motion by the use of fans, thus giving a greater feeling of comfort to the occupants. The fan does not change the air temperature, neither does it affect in the least its moisture or chemical content, but the results are very evident just the same. Air should never be allowed to become stagnant. When there is no natural movement in the air it should be put in motion by artificial means;. Even a hand fan is of distinct hygienic use. The shading in rooms should, however, be of such a nature that not too much artificial light is required as this may in turn become a means of increasing the inside temperature. Working Conditions

In places where high temperatures are required to carry on a manufacturing process jnuch can be accomplished by providing mechanical meansfor conducting the heat created in such establishments to the outside air. Under such conditions also air movement i 3 highly essential.

The first essential of comfortable hot weather clothing is that it be small in amount and that it hangs loosely about the body, being mainly supported from the shoulders. Constricting clothing which impedes the circulation should be avoided. The chief fact to bear in mind is that it is not so much the material from which the clothing is manufactured that is important, but the method of manufacturing the material. It is the quantity of air enclosed within the meshes of "the clothing that is important, if the clothing allows free change of air then cooling is increased. If, on the other hand, the air next to the skin and within the meshes of the clothing is imprisoned then the cooling is retarded. Thus in warm weather we see the obvious advantages of openings at the neck and wrist that are so characteristic of women's attire and the obvious disadvantage to the mere man of his usual cumbersome clothing. That men endure, apparently with equanimity clothing that is far too thick for is a tribute to their patienei; and endurance, and not to their common sense. Although our imaginations on hot days may revert to the joys of a life untrammelled, except for scant clothing, comparative comfortlgjan be obtained bv loosely-fitting, light-weight, looselywoven clothes with a light hat which allows a free circulation of air. " Suitable Foods

There are certain foods for hot weather use that have a filling and satisfactory effect. These include the coarse vegetables such as lettuce, celery, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and the like. Tomatoes, oranges, apples, lemons are excellent hot weather foods. Other foods may, of course, be included in the dietary, but the rule in hot weather is to eat moderately. Simple and easily-di-gested foods with liberal proportions of fresh, green vegetables and fruits fopn the basis of the best summer diet. Ice cream and fruit ices are good summer foods if eaten slowly and in moderation. Milk either as a drink or |)icluded in foods is of value the yfjar round. ~ During hot weather much more fluid is needed 011 account of the water necessary for evaporation from the skin. Consequently water consumption should be adequate during the summer. Bathing and cool showers help to reduce weariness and to add to our comfort and energy. Sometimes, a tepid bath just before retiring is soothing and quieting. .