humidifiers, sports outside, and pot holders (Phoenix: work, sick, home)

[rogetsthesaurus]

1.) What adjustments do new arrivals to Phoenix need to make to living in a place with little to no humidity? Are humidifers commonly purchased? Skin moisturizer?

2.) I assume people don't keep water with them in the car because it would boil! (j/k). Are Nalgene bottles common for drinking water?

3.) Is it true that a car must have its windows tinted? I had an auto tech person here in Indiana tell me that tinted windows would be BAD because they trap in the heat...not sure if he's right.

4.) How many of you use potholders when you drive in the summer? Are there tricks to opening a car door that has been out in the sun all day?

It's interesting how this extreme way of life never makes it into movies, TV shows, etc. I've found reading about here online so fascinatingly different (and almost bizarre). The heat/humidity debate, for example.

I assume this weather is deadly for those who are homeless and live on the streets?

How high school sports teams, such as football, practice outside? Do people attend outdoor sports a lot in the summer and fall?

I hope the classroom in which I will be teaching has A/C...I'm curious to find out how teenagers react to the extreme temps...

[JoePAz]

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

1.) What adjustments do new arrivals to Phoenix need to make to living in a place with little to no humidity? Are humidifers commonly purchased? Skin moisturizer?

You may need one. I don't but I grew up here

2.) I assume people don't keep water with them in the car because it would boil! (j/k). Are Nalgene bottles common for drinking water?

Don't leave anything the car that could get damaged from the heat. It will get hot in there. There are many ways to carry water, but leave it in the car means it gets hot and you can't drink it.

3.) Is it true that a car must have its windows tinted? I had an auto tech person here in Indiana tell me that tinted windows would be BAD because they trap in the heat...not sure if he's right.

I have cars with tinted windows and cars without. Not needed, but they do help as the sun is strong.

4.) How many of you use potholders when you drive in the summer? Are there tricks to opening a car door that has been out in the sun all day?

Never used pot holder at all. However one key is a sun shade. These are the things you put in the windshield. They keep the direct sun off the steering wheel and keep the car cooler on the inside. It will still be 130-140 inside, but that is better than 160. Also when getting in the car in the summer after sitting all day I don't close the door right away. I leave it open start the car buckle up take down my sun shade. This way I can push out alot of hot air in the car. Of time you can open the driver's window for as long as it takes for the cool air to come out of the AC vents.

I assume this weather is deadly for those who are homeless and live on the streets?

How high school sports teams, such as football, practice outside? Do people attend outdoor sports a lot in the summer and fall?

I hope the classroom in which I will be teaching has A/C...I'm curious to find out how teenagers react to the extreme temps...

Even in 110-120F temps being in the shade is not that bad. It may be fun, but it not deadly if you stay hydrated. Same goes for sports teams. It is hot, but keep hyrdated and teenagers can take alot. The bigger issue is never touch metal that has been in the sun as it can burn your hands easily.

As for A/C in schools back when I was going through school we did not have A/C in classrooms or busses. That was from 83-92. There was a cooling system in the class rooms, but not A/C it worked fine in may, but was hard in September. It was not the best, but we managed fine. Now I think all the buses have A/C and the schools do too.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

1.) What adjustments do new arrivals to Phoenix need to make to living in a place with little to no humidity? Are humidifers commonly purchased? Skin moisturizer? I don't know about humidifiers, I don't know anyone who uses one. I'm sure skin moisturizer would be good, but more importantly, sun block should worn if you go outside.

2.) I assume people don't keep water with them in the car because it would boil! (j/k). Are Nalgene bottles common for drinking water? I ALWAYS bring a bottle of water with me wherever I go. I got a Nalgene bottle the other day when I bought a Brita water jog, but I don't use it as I don't like the lid.

3.) Is it true that a car must have its windows tinted? I had an auto tech person here in Indiana tell me that tinted windows would be BAD because they trap in the heat...not sure if he's right. Yes, windows tinted!!!! It helps a lot!!!!!

4.) How many of you use potholders when you drive in the summer? Are there tricks to opening a car door that has been out in the sun all day? No potholders here. I just do everything quickly.

It's interesting how this extreme way of life never makes it into movies, TV shows, etc. I've found reading about here online so fascinatingly different (and almost bizarre). The heat/humidity debate, for example.

I assume this weather is deadly for those who are homeless and live on the streets?

How high school sports teams, such as football, practice outside? Do people attend outdoor sports a lot in the summer and fall?

I hope the classroom in which I will be teaching has A/C...I'm curious to find out how teenagers react to the extreme temps...

Your classroom better have AC or else complain!

[Master Shake]

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

1.) What adjustments do new arrivals to Phoenix need to make to living in a place with little to no humidity? Are humidifers commonly purchased? Skin moisturizer?

Some people use them. Some central A/C units will support an add-on humidifier. Some people feel they get sick more easily or have allergy attacks because of the dryness. It really will depend on you. However, I would strongly suggest constantly using sun screen to protect your skin!

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

2.) I assume people don't keep water with them in the car because it would boil! (j/k). Are Nalgene bottles common for drinking water?

Yes, you should carry water in your car, in case you get stranded somewhere. Many recommendations say you should have a whole gallon on hand, but a 1 liter bottle would probably be more convenient. It will get hot, but hot water is much better than no water when you really need it!

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

3.) Is it true that a car must have its windows tinted? I had an auto tech person here in Indiana tell me that tinted windows would be BAD because they trap in the heat...not sure if he's right.

There is no law, if that's what you mean! But it sure does help. Not only for parking, but even when driving too. It will not hold in the heat.

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

4.) How many of you use potholders when you drive in the summer? Are there tricks to opening a car door that has been out in the sun all day?

Never heard of that one! If your door handles are plastic, then it won't mater. If they are metal, then you might have to improvise. The steering wheel, dash and gear selector could get very hot, but should be OK after a few minutes with the A/C on at full blast. Get a sunshade (along with the tinted windows).

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

1.) What adjustments do new arrivals to Phoenix need to make to living in a place with little to no humidity? Are humidifers commonly purchased? Skin moisturizer?

The only problem I have is after getting out of the shower, I seem to itch a lot. I'm not sure if that's because of the water, soap, laundry detergent, or what. Other than that, I've never experienced any problems with the dryness. I do use nasal spray once in a while especially if I'm going to be hanging around big crowds or flying (also very dry air).

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

3.) Is it true that a car must have its windows tinted? I had an auto tech person here in Indiana tell me that tinted windows would be BAD because they trap in the heat...not sure if he's right.

Tinted windows aren't necessary but it helps in direct sun. The car stays a lot cooler, plus they protect the interior from getting sun faded or cracked prematurely. I would say if you have a car with a dark interior, definitely get the windows tinted. You don't want to sit on a leather seat after it smolders in the direct sunlight all afternoon. Especially not on a black leather one.

Also tinted windows keep heat out, they don't keep heat in.

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

4.) How many of you use potholders when you drive in the summer? Are there tricks to opening a car door that has been out in the sun all day?

As someone else said, use a reflective windshield screen and you don't have to mess around with anything else. It cuts down on a massive amount of heat transferred into the car. Between that and tinted windows, your car will be a lot cooler, and you won't burn your backside sitting down, or your hands when they grab the steering wheel. In addition to that, it's much better for the interior of the car, particularly the dashboard, not to be exposed to direct sun every day. There are products named something like dash mats, which are carpet-like covers that are made especially for the model of car. They work well if glare is a problem.

[Rubee]

I've only recently moved here (from Boston), but I think the humidifier is a necessity, especially in the bedroom. When we used to visit AZ and stay with family, I would wake up feeling parched and uncomfortably dry. With a humidifier, I'm much more comfortable. My husband didn't seem to notice it as much, but he grew up in El Paso, TX. I also bought heavy-duty moisturizer (and even hair conditioner), and still seem to put it on more frequently - I really notice the dryness with my skin.

Next step is to buy a sun shade for the car!