Monday, 25 June 2007

• Update on our Experiment

  Here is an update on our Experiment :
  We have not been using Air conditioning this year. Many people can not see how a person could live with out air conditioning. It is the fact that we as Americans have been spoiled. Many say "Its too hot to go with out air conditioning"
  Is it hotter where you live then it is in Danfar? The people in Danfar have no air conditioning. I was talking to someone in Hawaii and she said that hardly anyone there in Hawaii has air conditioning. They all survive.
  
  How have we been doing with out it?
  
  We have been doing fine. I find that after a bit your body starts to adjust to it. I think it is very good to go with out it. It is better for you I believe. I have been doing research on air conditioning and health.
  
  Air conditioning aggravates the effects of arthritis and neuritis. It also causes trouble for those with sinus trouble, causing their heads to become blocked. Studies between those who have worked for prolonged periods in air conditioned offices and those who work outdoors, have consistently shown that the people exposed to air conditioning are more susceptible to colds, flu and other minor ailments. It has also been proven that the body undergoes a certain amount of stress when it is forced to go from a boiling hot environment into an air conditioned one. Over time this, too can cause problems.
  It is also apparent that those who spend an inordinate amount of time in an air conditioned environment are not able to readily cope with hot summer temperatures. As a result, severe heat waves are now taking a higher death toll. In addition to this many people have been made sick by extreme variances between outside and inside temperatures. Going from an outside temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit to an inside one of less than 78 degrees is, for example, bound to play havoc with one’s health.
  
  Air conditioners in cars also have their problems. Micro-organisms have been found within the units that may cause breathing problems. Researchers at Louisiana State Medical Center identified eight different types of mold living inside of 22 of 25 cars tested. Air conditioning units can also circulate air-borne diseases, most famously Legionairre’s Disease. If the unit has cheap filters or is not properly maintained it will simply recirculate pollutants.
  
  Air-conditioner lung: A form of the sick building syndrome caused by organisms that contaminate humidifiers and the piping of air conditioner ducts. The air conditioner blows cold air containing spores of the organisms throughout the building.
  
  The organisms responsible for air-conditioner lung are the same as cause farmer's lung which is due to repeated inhalation of dust from hay. (The organisms are thermophilic actinomycetes).
  
  The symptoms of air-conditioner lung include episodes of fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath, typically occurring 4 to 8 hours after exposure. Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting may also be present.
  
  The diagnosis of air-conditioner fever is made based on a history of exposure to air conditioning and consistent clinical features, chest x-ray findings, and pulmonary function tests. Confirmation comes from laboratory results showing exposure to thermophilic actinomycetes and other organisms known to cause air-conditioner fever.
  
  Treatment is avoidance of offending organism from the air conditioner. Symptoms usually subside within hours, although complete recovery may take weeks.
  
  Repeated bouts of air-conditioner fever can result in pulmonary fibrosis with cough, fatigue, and weight loss and progression that sometimes requires hospitalization.
  
  How to live with out Air conditioning.....
  
  Use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation throughout your home. Opening doors in the house and using box fans to push hot air outdoors can function as an “exhaust” system and draw cooler evening air into the house. In the cooler evenings, open all windows and promote as much air circulation as possible.
  
  Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.
  
  Remember to maintain an adequate level of hydration, which means you’ll need to consume more water
  
  Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, as both of these substances can act as diuretics and promote dehydration
  
  

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