HOT WEATHER

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18590, 28 December 1934, Page 8

HOT WEATHER

HINTS FOR COMFORT

fans, clothing, food ({VmlGlinted liv tile. Department of Health) During the hot vvisiliior at present being expeiienced, much discomfort may be. avoided. There are days and nights vvnen almost anybody would have a right to complain, but so many things can be contributing causes of discomfort that they are worthy of consideration. For instance, in the home excessive heating can bo prevented by keeping rooms properly snaded and aired during the early' morning hours and during cool spelts. At otner times the inside air can be kept in motion by the use of fans, thus giving a greater feeling of comfort to flu; occupants of roams. The fan does not change the air temperature, neither does it affect in the least its moisture or chemical content; hut the results are very evident just ttie same. Air should never bo 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, however, should 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. In places where high temperatures arc requited to carry on manufacturing process, much can be accomplished by providing mechanical means for conducting the heat created in such establishments to the outside air. Under such conditions also air movement, is highly essential.

CLOTHING 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 .suppot ted from Die 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, ns it is the method of manufacturing the maetrial. 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, 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 and almost Hermetically-sealed clothing. • That men endure apparently with equanimity clotning that is far 100 thick for hot. weather is a tribute to tlii ir patience and enduiauce and not to their common sense. Though our imaginations on hot days may revert to the joys of a life untrammelled only by scanty clothing, comparative comfort can be obtained by loosely-fitting, lightweight, loosely-woven clothes with a light hat which allows a free circulation of air. FOOD 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, and 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 digested foods with liberal proportions of fresh green vegetables and fruits form the basis of the bestsummer diet. Ice cream and fruit ices are good summer foods if eaten slowly and in moderation. Milk either as n drink or included in foods, is of value the year round. During hot weather much more fluid is needed on 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 hath before retiring is soothing and quieting.