William Penn Life, 1974 (9. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1974-01-01 / 1. szám
'S* ROBERT WEISER BREAK OUT THE EARPLU GS Noise, aside from being a nuisance, may also cause physical damage to the body — at least that’s what some preliminary studies have shown. Researchers, who have been studying the effects of noise on test animals report that noise may produce physically damaging effects. It may raise blood cholesterol levels, cause blood vessels to contract, raise blood pressure and possibly even bring on early heart attacks. The researchers also tested the effects of noise on workers. The results were fairly obvious — anyone who works in a noisy office or factory could have predicted the same thing: namely that noise can reduce productivity and cause workers to make mistakes. Other studies raise even more ominous warnings. Noise that you can’t even hear might harm you. Infrasound is noise at frequencies below the normal hearing range, and ultrasound is noise above normal hearing levels. The researchers report that low frequency infrasound such as that caused by vibrating wheels in cars or the clatter of office machinery may cause a sensation similar to seasickness. Ultrasound or inaudible high frequencies may cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. For example some burglar alarms constantly emit ultrasound. It’s also used for some industrial processes. Inflation — Rising Costs. The spiraling inflation has its serious effect on the operational costs of the Association. The commodities and services the Association must buy or rent in its everyday business operation increases as the prices to us are increased. In every business the increasing costs are paid for by the consumer, whether it What does all mean? Well, if present research trends continue it means we may all someday need earplugs as well as gas masks. A FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Advancements in medicine have increased life expectancy a great deal in the past few years. However, research into the process of aging itself may eventually provide us with a very real “Fountain of Youth” in the future. One research team in California studying aging, believes that a chemical produced in minute quantities in the human body may retard the aging process. The chemical, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), was administered to 32 mice in a controlled experiment. The test mice were fed a standard diet and given routine care. Another control group of mice were given the same diet and care, but not the DMAE. The mice receiving the chemical lived 27% longer than those not receiving DMAE. In addition, they maintained a “younger” appearance longer. There is ho guarantee that DMAE will produce the same results in humans. In the meantime, regular exercise, a balanced diet and periodic checkups continue to be the best prescription. be increased food prices, taxes, utilities, energy, etc. We in the fraternal insurance industry can not pass the increased costs on to the members, because our premiums are level premiums and can not be increased. In order for management to meet the ever increasing costs, we must first of all depend on a lot of members enrolling, therefore, every member should try his level best to propose new members for the Association, thus helping us to grow. Secondly, we must utilize all available management tools which keep costs down. When we computerized our operations in 1966, then refined the computer program in 1972, this was done to meet the increased costs with relatively the same income. Once again we are faced with increased cost in postage and increased computer time, thus we will again have to study the possibility of increasing the minimum payments required of a member, thereby reduce the number of notices to be mailed out each month. The Executive Committee and the Staff are currently making a study on how we can save on postage and computer costs and will present a plan to the Board of Directors for adoption at the March Board Meeting. In the meantime, the members can voluntarily assist — those who now pay monthly should make every effort to pay quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Those paying quarterly should try to pay semi-annually or annually, and those who pay semi-annually should pay annually. This will mean a savings to you, too, by decreasing your postage costs and your checking account charges. 4
