The Medical journal of Australia
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Two field experiments in a subarctic environment are described. Individuals consistently underestimated the degree of cold, because visual cues dominated sensory skin receptors in the subjective estimation of temperature. In snowholes (survival holes) temperatures rose 20 degrees C within 30 minutes of occupancy, but stabilized at freezing point. Implications for travel and survival in a subzero environment are described.
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Historical Article
First-born of the clan: the South Australian branch of the BMA and AMA.
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A comparison of health status between 779 Seventh-day Adventists, who have a strong commitment to heal-related life styles, and two other groups of people--8363 persons referred by general practitioners and 9825 volunteers--was made. The Seventh-day Adventists showed less impairment of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, of plasma cholesterol and plasma urate concentrations, and of lung ventilatory capacity; and less obesity at most specific ages. ⋯ Depression, sleeplessness, use of sedatives and tranquillizers were lower in the Seventh-day Adventists; although, once again, a drawing together of the three groups in older age categories was evident. It is concluded that the life style of Seventh-day Adventists is conducive to lessened morbidity, delayed mortality, and decreased call on health services in comparison with the general population.