p. 7 | How to Keep Cool in Warm Weather

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 15, 1911

How to Keep Cool in Warm Weather

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

Warm weather is here. Many will consider it necessary to “go somewhere,” in order to keep comfortable; however, it is entirely possible to be comfortable at home, provided one knows how, and is willing to put the knowledge into practise.

The human body is a wonderful piece of mechanism. It possesses the power of adapting itself to changes in external temperature in such a way that the temperature internally remains always practically the same.

Cooling the Body

The internal temperature is maintained by means of the circulatory system. The temperature of the liver and of some of the deeper muscles, in which the greatest amount of oxidation takes place, probably ranges from 102° to 105° F., while the mucous membrane of the mouth has a temperature of only 98.6° F., and the temperature of the skin is still lower.

The heated blood from the internal organs and muscles is constantly being brought to the surface of the body for the purpose of cooling. The cooled blood is then carried back again to keep cool the internal organs. When the weather is cold, impressions are made upon the sensory nerves of the skin to that effect, and these impressions are

conveyed to the blood-regulating centers. As a result, the surface vessels constrict, and less blood is permitted to be brought to the surface for the purpose of cooling. This accounts for the white-skin, or goose-flesh appearance noticeable on a cold day. It is nature’s method in self-protection.

Some have imagined that alcohol has a warming influence in cold weather, because, when they are under its influence, a sensation of warmth is experienced. There may be a feeling of warmth when the internal temperature of the body is actually lower. Alcohol, by paralyzing the vasoconstrictor nerves, causes dilatation of the blood-vessels of the skin, thus permitting a greater flow of blood to the periphery, or outer surface. The increased amount of warm blood in the periphery produces a sensation of warmth to the nerves of sensation. While there exists a sensation of warmth, the blood is being too rapidly cooled. The internal temperature may be several degrees below normal, and the person be unconscious of it. Drunkards, when exposed to the cold, may be in danger of death by freezing, and yet not appreciate their danger.

While in cold weather the blood-supply to the surface is shut off to some extent, in warm weather the peripheral blood-vessels and capillaries dilate, and permit a larger flow of blood to the skin for the purpose of cooling. This accounts for the red, flushed face and the swollen hands. The cooling of the blood is brought about by the increased evaporation of moisture from the surface. On a warm day an adult may give off from two to four pints of moisture every twenty-four hours, and yet not perspire sensibly. If the weather becomes very hot, more moisture oozes out, and becomes visible on the skin. The moisture on the skin answers the same purpose as the moist cloth surrounding a pitcher of water on a warm day.

In tropical countries, drinking-water is usually kept in cloth bags, hung up where the breeze can reach them. No matter how warm the breeze may be, it will aid in cooling the contents of the bag. For the same reason, men and women who do a moderate amount of work, and, as a result, perspire some, suffer less from heat than do those who sit quiet, and are constantly trying to keep cool.

Seasonable Food

Diet is an important factor in keeping cool on a warm day. In cold weather we feed our furnaces or stoves, in order to keep our houses warm. In warm weather, less fuel is required.

The human body corresponds to a house. It has within it a furnace, with an automatic stoker, or fireman. When impressions of cold are made upon the skin, they are communicated to the heat-regulating centers in the brain; consequently a greater amount of fuel is automatically fed to the furnace of the body, and a corresponding amount of heat is produced. This calls for a greater amount of fuel.

In warm weather it is not uncommon for people to eat the same food, and in the same quantity, that they consume in cold weather; and then the fans have to be kept going to keep them from burning up. The lack of energy experienced during the summer months is frequently due to the clogging of the body-furnace with clinkers, or excess of fuel, and not, as is supposed, to too little food. In order to be in good physical condition and to feel comfortable, it is necessary to eat less.

In warm weather the digestive organs can not digest the same quantity or the same quality of food that they are capable of digesting in cold weather. Wisely, therefore, nature takes away the desire for many of the solid foods, and furnishes us with greens, vegetables, and fruits.

Dogs fed on the same amount of meat in warm weather as in cold weather become ill. The cat has epileptic fits if no change is made in her food in warm weather. Much of the common summer sickness is due to the absorption of poisons, resulting from the decay of unsuitable foods in the alimentary canal. Summer diarrhea is chiefly due to this cause. The free use of meat is, therefore, not only unsuitable, but dangerous, in hot weather. Highly albuminous foods, such as beans, lentils, and eggs, which readily undergo putrefactive changes, should be used sparingly. If possible, supply their place with ripe olives, nuts, or olive-oil, taken in moderation.

Fruits are the most desirable of all foods during the summer months. The food elements in fruit are served in a form to require very little effort on the part of the digestive organs to prepare them for absorption, while the acids prevent putrefaction, and are aids in the digestion of such albuminous food as it may be necessary to eat in addition to the fruit. They also contain liquid in the purest form obtainable to supply the needs of the body. Supercooked vegetables, such as cabbage, ferment readily, and should be used sparingly.

In warm weather the diet should be composed almost exclusively of cereals, breads, and fruits, with some additional wholesome relishes. Salads made of lettuce, celery, and tomatoes, with the addition of a little lemon-juice and olive-oil, will be found appetizing and healthful. It is best to eat these foods in as natural a state as possible. Should this diet be followed, there would be less summer sickness; sunstroke would be practically unheard of; and the outlay of money and time and strength required to go to a cooler climate in order to

keep comfortable, would not be necessary.

The Clothing

Linen or cotton underwear is preferable to any other during warm weather. Light, thin, and loosely woven inner and outer garments allow free access of air, and permit free evaporation of moisture from the skin.

Anger, anxiety, and nervousness intensify the feeling of heat. Self-control is a most important aid in keeping cool. By planning beforehand the work of each day, and then performing it in a quiet manner, comfort may be experienced even in warm weather. Periods of complete relaxation may be taken for a few minutes at intervals during the day. A few minutes of complete relaxation before meals will be found beneficial. To complain of the warmth encourages the mind to dwell upon the weather, and as a result the heat is felt much more.

The drinking of ice-water or other cold drinks should not be indulged in too freely. Many a case of sunstroke has been caused by the modern soda-fountain.

Takoma Park, D. C.