CHANGING SEASONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 650, 30 April 1929, Page 15

CHANGING SEASONS

VALUE OF VENTILATION (Contributed by tlie Department of Health.) The changing seasons bring with them timely health problems. When the weather changes from the warm days of summer to the colder days of autumn and winter, we must be on guard against the disorders which this change of weather brings, states an overseas health bulletin. Cold weather invites disease; pneumonia, acute bronchitis, colds, and even measles and whooping cough seem to go on a vacation during the summer, but with the advent of the colder weather they reappear and from then until spring they claim their annual' toll of victims. This being true, what can be done to prevent these diseases from again gaining a foothold after their summer decline? The most logical answer to this question is to maintain the summer conditions as far as practicable. These conditions may be considered as those existing outdoors, and those maintained in places of human habitation or employment indoors. Manifestly, man’s control of outdoor conditions is limited. But even if he cannot control the weather or increase the amount of possible sunshine, some things can be done to help mitigate the effects of the weather. Smoke and soot in the atmosphere impede the rays of the sun, including the Ultra-violet rays, which arc the most invigorating and healthful part of the sun’s rays. The prevention of dust is also important, because dust, by irritating the mucous membranes, renders them especially susceptible to infections such as colds, bronchitis, etc. Outdoor conditions it is difficult to change, but indoor conditions should be given careful consideration at this time, as much can be done to improve them. The first manifestation of the seasonal change from summer to fall is the lowering of the temperature. This is felt especially by persons whose habits of life are sedentary; that is, not active, and by the aged and the very young. Furthermore, because the sun gives out a great deal of heat during the day, the cold is more intense at night. In the early autumn there is a great tendency to close all windows tightly, especially at night, in order

to keep warm. This interferes seriously with ventilation, which is necessary to maintain the body in a healthful condition. The most important factor in adequate ventilation is a certain amount of motion of the air that surrounds us. When cold weather comes windows are closed to keep out the cold, and the proper ventilation is not maintained, with the result that the resistance of the body is lowered, and persons living under these conditions become more susceptible to infection. To guard against these dangers, which recur every autumn and winter, it is essential that our bodies should be in fit condition. In other words, the body should be kept so well toned up that it can adjust itself readily to changes in temperature. This means good tone of the blood vessels and heart with an abundance of nervous energy. A vigorous circulation of the blood can be maintained by plenty of fresh air, regular exercise, exposure to sunlight, proper food, and last, but not least, by seeing to it that every part of the body is fit to function properly. With the body in good shape and by wearing somewhat heavier clothing in the home, it will be possible to ventilate properly before the fires are started. This is best accomplished by opening the windows in the living rooms and bedrooms from the top and bottom, the distance depending upon the amount of air movement on the outside; a lesser opening being required when the wind is strong. Drafts can be avoided by using a window deflector, a board or piece of metal for the lower opening. In the daytime it is well to leave the windows open to admit sunlight so that the ultra-violet rays, which do not pass through the ordinary window glass, can enter. These rays have disinfectant or germ-killing properties. For these reasons, then, it is advisable to admit direct sunlight freely in living and working quarters. The best temperature to maintain in homes, offices, and shops is GS degrees F. A great deal of harm is done by maintaining higher temperatures, especially if the moisture content of the air is not kept up to about 40 per cent., which is, roughly, equal to the evaporation of two gallons of water every day in an ordinary-sized room. If you will follow these suggestions, you will find it possible to live through the winter without suffering the usual infections, colds, bronchitis, i grip, pneumonia, and other respira- • tory diseases which are so common during the cold months of the year.