Sunday, October 30, 2011

Advantages and Disadvantages of Convection Heaters

Convection heaters are those which warm up the room by blowing heated air. They are being used widely for residential heating, especially during winters. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of convection heaters.

Advantages of convection heaters
  • As convection heaters can heat the entire room, they can heat more people. However, this is not the case in radiant heaters as they can heat only the people nearby the heater.
  • Convection heaters are more economical and are used for longer periods.
  • The heating elements of convection heaters are not exposed and hence, are safe to use. Even the outside surface of the heaters do not get heated up to the extent that they burn you.
  • Convection heaters are much inexpensive when compared to radiant heaters.
  • They are even available in different designs, sizes and models.

Disadvantages of convection heaters
  • One of the major concerns with convection heaters is overheating. Generally, forced convection heaters make use of fan that forces the heated air out. In case the fan is spoiled, the heater will overheat. Furthermore, if the heater is made of plastic, upon overheating, the plastic melts down. It is for this reason that convection heaters are recommended to be made of metal instead of plastic.
  • Convection heaters should not be placed near windows or other areas where drafts are likely to occur. With these heaters, the drafts are even susceptible to overheating.
  • No objects should be placed near convection heaters as they block the warm air and make the heater hot. Any objects present near the heater corresponds to energy loss.
  • Warm air from convection heaters is less dense and remains at the ceiling. So, lesser heat is present at the bottom and you cannot experience the warmth leading to energy wastage.

Remember these pros and cons of convection heaters when purchasing a heater.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Vitamin A and Its Relation with Bone Health

Among various vitamins which help in improving bone health, vitamin A is one. It is found to play a major role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation. Retinol and beta-carotene are the major sources of vitamin A which can be found in various kinds of food sources including plant and animal sources. Let us know how vitamin A affects bone health.

In desired amounts, vitamin A is considered to ensure bone growth. Severe deficiency of vitamin A in older adults can cause a loss of bone density. Its deficiency in pregnant women can affect fetal development and infancy. This may lead to bone abnormalities such as slow bone development. However, when taken in excess amounts, vitamin A is considered to show a negative effect on the health of bones. Too much vitamin A can result in bone loss and also an increase in the risk of hip fracture.

Apart from vitamin A, vitamin D plays an important role in assuring bone growth and hence, maintains bone health. However, when vitamin A is present in large amounts, it is considered to interfere with the vitamin D thereby, affecting the normal function of vitamin D. The balance of calcium and phosphorus which is maintained in the body by the vitamin D is affected with too much presence of vitamin A. Moreover, the retinol is found to prevent the vitamin D from aiding in the absorption of calcium by the body. With the disruption of activity of vitamin D, calcium leaches out from the bone and makes it more fragile. This is responsible for the high risk of bone fractures. Therefore, ensure that adequate amounts, not too much high or too much little amounts of vitamin A is included in your diet to ensure a perfect bone health.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Tips to Wear Contact Lenses Properly

Contact lenses are small and sensitive things which should be handled gently with proper care. They should be maintained properly for longer life. It is also important to apply and remove the lenses with utmost care in order to make our eyes more comfortable. Many people feel that it is difficult to wear the lenses as they very thin and tough to handle. But in fact, it is not true. They are easy to wear and are very convenient if we know the trick in wearing them. Here are few tips for the easy wearing of lenses.
  • May it be wearing or removing, one should clean their hands using warm water and soap and rinse it thoroughly to make sure that no soap residues are left on the hand. Liquid soaps and lotions are more effective for this purpose since they contain less chemicals. After washing dry your hand completely and then handle the lens carefully without dropping it down.
  • Before wearing the lens please make sure that you are wearing it in the right direction. For checking the right direction, place the lens at the tip of your finger and see to it that it forms a cup. If you find the cup in U shape then it is in the correct position.
  • Now open your eye with the help of thumb and index finger of the other hand by pulling the eyelids and position the lens while looking upward or the way you find it easier. Slowly close the eyes and roll your eyes so that the lens settle downs properly. Repeat the same for the other eye.

Wearing contact lenses becomes very simple once you get used to it. And it is advised to wear the lenses all alone and away from the crowd so that you can do it perfectly with out any disturbances.