PROTECTION AGAINST UNFAVORABLE CLIMATE 307 



other than temperature. They make no special provision for 

 Fresh air and but little provision for direct sunshine in their 

 rooms; they pay no attention to the humidity of the air in which 

 they live. In the winter they shut themselves up in stuffy, 

 nearly air-tight, often sunless, drought-stricken, over-heated, 

 dust-laden rooms. Their only thought is to maintain a tem- 

 perature of 70 or more. The highest and best authorities 

 say that about one-half of all deaths are the result of prevent- 

 able diseases, and that a more intelligent and rational plan 

 of protecting ourselves against the inclemency of climate and 

 weather would materially decrease sickness and death from 

 these causes. Those among us who disregard the laws of 

 sanitation find their powers of resistance so weakened, their 

 vitality so lessened, that they are easily attacked by colds, 

 influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other diseases. And 

 they, in turn, spread these diseases among all with whom they 

 come in contact. 



335. The Ideal Indoor Climate or Air Condition. We all 

 know how delightful and pleasant is the soft balmy air of spring 

 and early summer. We know how we long to be out of doors 

 in the sunshine on a spring day and what renewed life and vigor 

 such conditions give us. The ideal conditions for indoor air 

 are those which closely resemble outdoor air of spring or early 

 summer. These conditions are: a gentle breeze, a flood of 

 health-giving sunlight, a humidity of 50 to 70 per cent., air 

 nearly free from dust, and, lastly, a temperature which varies 

 with the occupation, clothing, habits, and age of the individual. 

 We cannot completely control the amount of sunlight, but 

 we can so construct our houses that we may enjoy all the sun- 

 shine there is; the other conditions we can usually secure 

 without great cost or effort. 



336. Why a Change of Climate may be Beneficial. The 

 climate of the Southwest is chiefly beneficial during the 

 winter months because one is most comfortable there when out 

 of doors and, therefore, is inclined to remain out of doors. 

 Even when indoors, one is most comfortable with the doors and 



