CHILL OUT June was one of the wettest months on record. The “drought has broken”, cities flood. Global warming maybe a myth. But, the chill days will worsen as July creeps on, and more severe stuff is imminent. “Getting a chill,” as my mum, your mum, her mum regularly said “is so easy. It will give you a death of cold.” A hundred years and generations later, it is still a relevant issue.

“A chill" simply means the body temperature suddenly drops below normal. Even minor fluctuations are important. Germs, mainly viruses, are ever present in the air around us, worse if compounded by sneezing people nearby. They even live in our throat. Temp drops, germs immediately multiply, and infection becomes established within minutes, probably seconds. The automatic immune system is temporarily inactivated which means natures defence is immobilised. So, keep warm, avoid chills.

Venturing Out … Ugh!

Keep warm when indoors. If venturing out when cold, wet or windy, wear an extra layer of gear. Maybe coat, neck scarf, head gear, even a wooley cap or beaney for guys. Wear long sox. A thick wooley singlet, maybe long-johns for the thighs and legs. Firm closed shoes are advised, and changed promptly if they become wet for this can make the body cold quickly. Try and avoid windy streets, don’t loiter at corners where winds are often worst.

Eat hot food. Besides then usual tea, coffee, cocoa, hot lemon drinks, here is another wonder warmer. A hot cup of water!. It is really pouring a non tasting tube of heat into the centre of the body. It is brilliant! (Don’t laugh, I do it often during winter).

Chills also cause muscle aches and pains, as the blood supply may clamp down causing local muscle fibre spasm. If hot after a walk, don’t peel off, for a fresh chill can quickly occur.

Mum is right. Avoid chills. As I said last month, keep warm, keep dry and keep out of drafts. Happy wintering.

Comfy Housing

Also, if you, the rellies, parents need help with, housing, lovely Vimiera Village “has it all”. Independent living units, or “assisted care”. The later includes meals, laundry and linen, domestic work and room cleaning. At Marsfield (Eastwood - Sydney) near Macquarie Shopping Centre, it is an unforgetable experience in living. Phone David on 02 9868 7544 or check the web vimieravillage.com.au, for a virtual tour and I will take you around.

Sincerely your friend,