HOT WEATHER.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 3

HOT WEATHER.

OVERCOMING DISCOMFORT.

WORTHY 'CONSIDERATION.

SOME SEASONABLE HINTS.

(Issued by Department of Health). During the hot weather much discomfort may be avoided. There are days and nights when almost anybody would' have a right to complain but so many things «an be (contributing causes of discomfort that they are worthy of consideration. 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 spells. 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 of rooms. 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. In places where high temperatures are required to carry on manufacturing process much can be accomplished by providing mechanical means for conducting the heat created in such establishments lo the outside air. Under 'such conditions also air movement is highly essential.

Clothing. The first essential of comfortable hot weather clothing is that it bo 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 chlSf fact to bear in mind is that it is not so much the material from which the clothing is manufactured! that is important, but it is the method of manufacturing the material. It is the quantity of air enclosed within the meshes of the clothing that is important. If Hie clothing allows free change of air then-cool-ing 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 onvious advantages of openings at the neck and wrist that are so characteristic of women’s attire and the obvious disadvantage to the mere man oi his usual cumbersome and almost hermetically sealed clothing. That men

endure apparently with equanimity clothing that is far too thick for hot weather Is a tribute to their patience and endurance and not to their common sense. Though our_ imaginations on hot days may revert to tha ■joys of life untramelled only by soanty ■clothing comparative comfort can be obtained by loosely fitting light weight loosely woven clothes with a light hat .which allows a free 'circulation of air, -.1. i ; -OTT food- >~wr> 'Hi ; ‘ There arc certain foods' tor hot weather use that have a filling and satisfactory effect. These_ include the coarse vegetables §uch 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 digested foods with 'liberal proportions of fresh green vegetables and fruits form 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 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 duiing the summer. IBathing and cool showers help lo reduce weariness and to add to our comfort and energy. Sometimes a tepid hath just befoio retiring is soothing and quieting.