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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Oct 29th, 2004 11:49 |
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[filelink]
Why It's Necessary to Avoid Natural Light and Bright Lights
Most of us remember being told that Vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin” and that being out in the sun is good for us. Our skin and eyes have the ability to convert sunlight into Vitamin D, which we will refer to as 25-D. Our bodies store excess 25-D, so that we will have adequate amounts of this fuel when light is not readily available. Our bodies use 25-D for 'fuel' to make 1,25-D in our kidneys. 1,25-D is a type of steroid hormone that our bodies need for many functions. It is also created in response to inflammation.
In healthy people, there is no dysregulation of a conversion of 25-D to 1,25-D, so being in the sunlight is not a problem. However, for a percentage of the population, (people with Th1 inflammation) there is too much inflammation within the tissues. Within these inflamed tissues, the body can convert sunlight into 1,25-D, directly through the skin.
There is nothing in the literature which shows that photon energy, rather than UVB, is not converted by the keratinocytes into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D. The studies are limited, are in-vitro, and were not using diseased tissue. There is a more recent study showing an amazing level of sensitization of the keratinocytes in the presence of th1 cytokines, which confirms the reported data.
http://tinyurl.com/6hq25
“High levels of the 1,25-D hormone affect muscle function, especially the cardiac muscle.
http://tinyurl.com/6c8qa
http://tinyurl.com/3j5nc
Sun exposure can be dangerous for people with extensive Th1 inflammation with even sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmia a possibility.
It is thus critical for a Clinician to measure this hormone 1,25-D and keep its level under control. One way of achieving control is to totally eliminate all sources of dietary Vitamin D intake from food/supplements, and all sources of exposure to natural light, until the patient is no longer producing the 1,25-D hormone beyond the Merck maximum (45pg/ml)
http://www.sarcinfo.com/calcium.htm
Protecting Your Skin and Eyes When Going Outside
Due to the pathogen load within the skin, those with Th1 inflammation produce 1,25-D directly in the skin in response to sunlight. It’s imperative to stay indoors as much as possible during daylight hours and cover up carefully when going outdoors and while driving, to prevent the hormonal fluctuations sun exposure causes.
“The secosteroid 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-D) is normally produced in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Keratinocytes also hydroxylate 25-D to 1,25-D upon exposure of the skin to sunlight
http://tinyurl.com/6fx27
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/eletters/123/1/18
Clothing
Clothing should be dark, such as black, and at least medium weight, preventing any light to shine through onto the skin. Gloves should be worn, especially when driving, and as much skin as possible should be covered up. Wear shirts with high collar and long sleeves, trousers or a long skirt, socks and shoes, a wide-brimmed hat and gloves. If you go outside you need to cover up completely. Gloves should be black leather; long sleeve shirts and slacks, such as denim or flannel are good choices. A hat with a wide brim and neck covering should be worn; a hooded sweatshirt is an alternative. Feet should be covered as well.
Eye protection
You also need to avoid natural light and bright lights in eyes. You need to obtain, and wear NoIR sunglasses (or their equivalent)inside and out. Fluorescent lights in offices and stores can also increase your symptoms, and you should wear the NoIR glasses there.
NoIR glasses, as noted in #1 of the MP instructions, are absolutely essential. These glasses will cover up most of the face and help prevent any light from being reflected from the cheeks, into the eyes. NoIRs are specifically designed to provide protection from infrared and ultraviolet light, as well as natural light. The sunglasses you now own are not this ‘medical grade’ and will not provide the protection you need. NoIR sunglasses are relatively inexpensive, and you’ll probably notice a difference as soon as you put them on.
Protecting Your Eyes
You may need to wear sunglasses (a good UV blocking pair is okay for artificial light only) while watching TV or working on your PC. Also, turn down the brightness of your computer to a level that is comfortable for your eyes. Darker backgrounds can make reading on the computer easier too.
There may be a D conversion factory within the eye (http://tinyurl.com/552tv) but it's exact function is not known. The primary effect of light falling on the eyes is stimulation of the amygdala. See The effect of light on the brain (amygdala)
Indoor lighting
You’ll want to cover/darken your windows so that you keep natural light to a minimum and lower incandescent lighting to a level of 30 lux. Try to avoid fluorescent lights whenever possible, or keep yourself covered up and eyes shielded from them if you can’t avoid them.
Even if the windows are shaded by trees or overhang, or are facing north, the windows in your home should be covered to block the natural light from entering.
Neurological symptoms
“Patients who have controlled their level of 1,25-D have discovered that the most annoying neuro symptoms of Th1 disease have also disappeared:
These neurological symptoms include fatigue, irritability, panic, depression, and sleep disturbance, aggressiveness, lack of concentration, brain fog, photosensitivity, transient loss of memory, mood swings, confusion, anxiety, anger, neurosis and even psychosis"
http://clinmed.notlong.com
The short-term consequences of not wearing adequate eye protection will be an increase in neurological symptoms caused by stimulation of the Amygdala in the brain.
How Long Is Sun and Light Avoidance Necessary?
As you begin to recover, you’ll become less sensitive to these chemical changes, due to the reduction of pathogens. Typically, care must be taken to avoid sun and bright lights for 6-18 months. The good news is, that this improvement gradually takes place, so you’ll notice a decrease in sensitivity to light sooner, but you’ll still be susceptible to a sun or light reaction.
As your body heals, you’ll be able tolerate an increase in light exposure without having symptoms. You may always want to take some extra care, as you may notice increased fatigue after increased sun exposure, but this would be mild, compared to the initial reaction in the first few weeks or months of following the Marshall Protocol.
Dr Marshall: "The sensitivity to light is part of the disease process. The greater the bacterial load somebody is carrying, the greater will be their photosensitivity. There is both the generation of hormone 1,25-D in the keratinocytes, which is exacerbated by the circulating Th1 cytokines, and the extra load placed on the Amygdala by light on the eyes (see Brian Fallon's study for more info on their SPECT results Report from EICS Conference 19 Nov 2004 ). The 1,25-D generation in the keratinocytes will occur at natural lighting levels above that inside an office with the windows heavily shaded (eg with drawn vertical blinds), but the eyes adapt to the ambient light level (with the Iris) and must be kept away from stimulation in all environments.
Failing to protect the skin from radient energy (by going outdoors or sitting by an open window or using a direct-radiation infra-red sauna) will result in an inability of your immune system to kill the pathogens, but exposure of your eyes to too much light will just give you a very rocky road to recovery. But you will still recover, albeit more slowly. Everybody has to test their limits and see what they can deal with."
"The MP is a curative therapy. Your sensitivity to light drops as immunopathology fades away. Over the next 24 months you will be able to start leading a more normal life again."
“The solar sensitivity resolves gradually, as the inflammatory load is reduced. Recall that the excess generation of 1,25-D in the keratinocytes is caused by the inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-alpha). Both the eye sensitivity and the skin sensitivity gradually drop as the overall inflammatory load drops. Eventually both return to 'normal', or very close to it.
Related FAQs:
Light Sensitivity-basic information
Photosensitivity During Recovery From Th1 Inflammatory Disease
Why have you changed the recommendation regarding sun exposure?
The Effect of Sunlight/Daylight and Bright Lights
Protecting Your Eyes
Testimonials to the Need for Avoiding Light
Incident Radiation
Hypervitaminosis-D Symptoms
Last edited on Fri May 2nd, 2008 15:14 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Mon Nov 15th, 2004 00:33 |
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Lighting Suggestions
After protecting your home from outdoor or Natural Light, you may have / use Dimmer switches on your main lights or install lower watt bulbs to keep the lighting at 30 lux or below.
Lutron Electronics, Inc. Dimmer Switches, including "remote" for incandescent light bulbs only
Lamps and Christmas too: Oh for all those looking to have a soft light on the tree, hubby found a lamp dimmer at Lowes that can be added to the cord so you can tone the lights way down low. I love it. Cost 10$ can also be used on reg lamps.
Topic for those sensitive to fluorescent lights.
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Dr Marshall wrote: Miniblinds or vertical blinds are not enough, the rooms you inhabit most will need dark curtain material. IKEA sometimes has some really dark curtain material, but the inventories fluctuate from time to time.
IMO it is best to block all external light from the areas you use, and rely on judicious incandescent lighting.
Your sensitivity will drop markedly over the first 6-12 months, although care will still be needed to the 18-24 month mark, by which time you should be occasionally venturing outdors (still rugged up). Only when the inflammation has fully resolved will the skin stop hyper-converting incident radiation.
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WORK suggestion: from Zackone (Fred): When I started the MP, and bought an incandescent light for my office (prior were fluorescent), I sent everyone at work an email that explained why "the darkness in my office" and the dark glasses. I was pleasantly surprised at how everyone understood AND still do. I bought a cheap light at a local department store, and no-one seemed bothered. EVEN the employees within the mill (I work in a paper mill with all sorts of large windows) are great sports about it!! Sure, they call me "Hollywood" every once in a while, but it is all in good fun.
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WORK:
pdejager Peter wrote:
I had previously spoken to the person I report to (I work as a contractor, so I don't have a 'manager') and told him what I would be doing, and why.
Those people I know well asked me why I was wearing sunglasses. I just said that I had an illness and needed special glasses because I was photosensitive. Those who before would just nod as I passed them greeted me with a smile (I don't know whether of compassion or amusement). No-one said anything about not wearing them -- you wouldn't ask someone with a broken leg not to use crutches, would you?
Sure, I got some funny looks from people at the shopping centre later on, but that's their problem, not mine.....
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Q: I need to start work. Some aspects of my job (IT Engineer) will require me to be able to see electronics very clearly. For some of the tasks it simply will not be feasible for me to wear NOIRS/BOLLE's. This will probably be for durations of about 30 min / 1 hour and will involve indoor light only. Is this going to really hamper my progress?
Reply: Only time will tell if exposure to indoor lighting will hamper your progress. Hopefully, the exposure will be incandescent and not fluorescent. You might try experimenting with using sunglasses that do not distort color perception (if that is an issue) but may still provide you with some protection.
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Work: Sue from Indy:
I also work in an office with many fluorescent lights and I work with a computer. I went to my employee health MD (or you could see your MP MD) and she gave me an RX for reduced lighting. My work is obligated to turn down the lights in my area. They did this by turning off 2 of the 3 bulbs in the 2 fixtures over my desk. They also gave me a screen to put over my computer that cuts out 90% of the glare.
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Infra-red Please see Incident Radiation
Sauna Use
fireplaces
Is it okay to use candles?
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Light Idea:
from Barney: I found some amber light bulbs (25w) and they are so calming. I love them. I put them in my bedroom where my computer is. Maybe I will buy a lot more of them and just use them. Maybe this is the calming effect. see http://www.LIGHTBULBSDIRECT.COM
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re Halogen :
..... to have an overhead halogen, wear a cap to shield the top of the eyes, and wear NoIRs while reading. It is the eyes that primarily have to be protected from low-power (<50W halogen) lamps.
..Trevor..
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All computer and TV screens give off too much light for folks with Th1 disease. The flat panels use flourescent tubes for back-lighting and are just as bad as the CRTs with respect to causing eye problems.
A patient will also be very sensitive to 'flickering' of the screen that healthy folks can't see. The 'flickering' goes away as the patient heals.
The solution is to wear NoIRs when using the computer, and to turn down the screen brightness.
..Trevor..
see also computer display colors another way to darken the screen
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So lighting is dependent on what you can tolerate. The only way I know to find out what you can tolerate is to get the NoIR 901 shades and wear them for a few days to protect your eyes (indoors) and then take them off for 1/2 hour at a time, looking for 'neuro' effects some 2-3 hours later.
..trevor..
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Full Spectrum Lighting
NoIR sunglasses filter the spectrum to remove all the energy which is not essential to vision. So you could leave the full spectrum lights in place if you wear your NoIR sunglasses.
But I don't see much point in continuing to use the full spectrum lighting bulbs which are touted to be "like natural sunlight". It would be easiest to replace those bulbs with low wattage incandescent bulbs. 30 lux is the level that would allow you to see without protecting your eyes with sunglasses.
Of course, when you are looking at any bright light such as the computer screen, you'll want to wear the NoIRs or very dark regular sunglasses. NoIRs are essential outside to block infrared rays and helpful when facing the computer or TV because most regular sunglasses are not dark enough.
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from JRC:
I am the director of an aviation museum in Ohio that has many artifacts that are sensitive to UV lighting.
Our flourescent bulbs are covered with a UV filter to protect the artifacts from the damaging light. If this could be an option for Nicholas to attend regular school, I am sure that I can find them locally at one of the lighting companies. They just slip over the flourescent bulbs, very easy to install. Joe
Here are the three sources that we have for UV light filters.
UV Process Supply, Inc. http://www.uvprocess.com (800) 621-1296
http://www.mcgillelectrical.com/CatalogProducts.asp?nProductsID=85
http://www.pegasusassociates.com/UVtubeguard.jsp
The first link also sells adhesive backed sheets for windows. note re windows: for the MP > windows need to be covered to block the natural light. Tinting and UV blocks are not enough.
Reenie says: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to allow modifications to your work environment, due to a disabling condition.
You may want to contact someone about that first, then tell your boss you NEED to wear NoIRs, which are a MEDICAL device. They may even have to PAY for any other adjustments needed to make your work environment suitable such as changing fluorescent lighting and darkening shades to your area.
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Flourescent lighting
There are flourescent bulbs available which are suitable for MP folk. I used to use them myself, when necessary. The true problem is the amount of light. A 13 watt flourescent gives more light than a seriously ill patient can tolerate, and may need to be filtered down a little. It is control of the amount of light, and the use of "warm white" flourescent bulbs, which need to be attended to in the workplace. Not to mention the brightness of the computer screens
My office (where I am now sitting), which I have occupied for the last 10 years, has been lit by low-level flourescent lighting. There is nothing inherently wrong with the technology. ..Trevor..
The dimmable compact fluorescents are hard to find, but they are out there. TCP (technical consumer products) is one make I am aware of. Try efi.org. The only bad thing about them is that they are so dim when you first turn them on. ~Tim
.......................................................................
I've had this adjustable, dimmable flourescent floor lamp for nearly a year
http://tinyurl.com/2tu8x3
and it's worked out very well--no flickering and I tilt the metal shade toward the wall it's next to so the bulb is totally 'hidden,' just giving nice ambient light. ~Jillian
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LED lightbulbs
LED light bulbs will satisfy energy efficiency criteria. They are still early in their development curve. Presently 1 watt LED are used in expensive long lasting flashlights. Prices will fall as economies of scale increase. Current 120 volt LED light bulbs use lots of cheaper lower power LEDs but they are still very expensive, http://tinyurl.com/26ngbe . LED lights work with dimmers, http://tinyurl.com/utw67 . Looking at specs on last url page you can see that some LED light bulbs are not well implemented from an efficiency point of view but that is not inherently true, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_efficacy#Overall_luminous_efficacy.
With no flicker and perhaps better spectral starting point 120 V LED light bulbs may be less of a problem for some people compared to compact flourescents. ~tgrtton
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Reducing my at-home lighting to 30 lux or less...
Six weeks before starting the Benicar, I began a gradual reduction of light in my apartment suite. Many of the ceiling light fixtures had as much as 2 x 100 = 200 watts. I gradually reduced the bulbs, from 100s to 60s to 40s to 25s to 15s. Before I started the Benicar, I had a max of about 40 lux.
I continued the gradual reduction in the last two weeks (since starting Benicar). The maximum now in any one fixture is 2 x 15 = 30 watts. Some fixtures have only 15 watts and two have only one 7.5-watt bulb. I didn't even know that there was such a thing as a 7.5-watt bulb!
The key to me was the gradual reduction over time. What may seem somewhat dark one day appeared normal a few days later, and so on, until I became adjusted to a max of 30 lux.
The use of the light meter was extremely helpful. I find that a maximum of 30 lux is not dark to me now. At home, I wear my 40% NOIRS only when watching TV programs (I have no computer at home)--and only those programs which are too bright (even with the brightness on the TV turned down to about 1/3 its previous level). Otherwise, I do not need to wear my NOIRS in my home at all!
I believe that some people feel that their home has to be so dark that they can barely see to manoeuvre around. With my increased sensitivity to light caused by the Benicar, I find no problem seeing quite well WITHOUT MY NOIRS with a level of 30 lux or less.
Because I live alone, I was able to change the lighting drastically so that I would not have to wear my NOIRS all the time at home. Those of you with others to consider will have to adopt a strategy that works well for all.~Larry
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Q: I find it very confronting to be 'shut in' ....
Tom's Reply: This has been a particularly contentious issue with me. I have made a few changes that have helped me a bit. First I realized that my ability to tolerate my cave environment seemed directly proportionate to the intensity of my illness and its direct effect on depression, rather then the other way around. Having said this I know that there are still some things that can help minimize this situation. I will share a few that have particularly helped me. I hope you find these useful.
I installed heavy duty blinds with batten strips and attached Velcro on its sides. When the sun sets I make it a point to remove the strips and pull-up the shades for a full view of the neighborhood. I used this time to also open up the windows to help air out the apartment. I found that it helped reconnect me to the outside. Getting out at night, even for a short time, breaks the monotony. (See People!)
The lowered lighting can also be depressing. There is better light distribution through many small lamps of say 7.5 w as opposed to very few lights of stronger wattage. I stayed below 30 lux in any area of the apartment and eliminated many dark spots.
When ever you can control your sleeping, you may want to shift your sleep schedule. By retiring at 3 am I would often get-up around 12noon. By the time I eat and get going there are only a few hours to kill. A little reading, studying and chores as you are able can quickly fill in the gap.
I don’t know exactly your situation but I found that the illness still mandates my schedule. I remember not to long ago finding myself meandering around my house for days prior to the MP. Nothing really has changed except knowing that I can’t leave. Perhaps it’s mostly a mind game. I don’t know what its half life is but it does seem to get better with time.
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
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Posted: Wed Feb 9th, 2005 22:50 |
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Light Considerations Simplified:
outside (natural) light including reflected, coming into house or car: and including thru any tinted glass: is definitely to be avoided on skin and in eyes.
If going into Natural Light: cover your skin well with dark clothing, hat, gloves, or Ketoconazole 2% Cream .... and wear 2% NoIRs to protect from natural light. (the Bolles are only equal to the 10% indoor NoIRs.)
To protect skin from Natural Light within your home or work environment: cover all Natural Light sources. windows, skylights, doorways, etc..
Natural light : protect eyes and all skin..
Artificial light: no need to cover skin. do protect eyes.
and wear 10% NoIRs to protect from artificial light and TV and computers ...
computer & television: switch brightness down. wear NoIRs
fluorescent light : protect eyes > wear NoIRs.
incandescent light: ok to use if not too bright (up to 30 lux max) not direct to eyes. avoid bright light in eyes / wear NoIRs or have light indirect.
Halogen: dim, & protect eyes from direct light by cap & NoIRs
all bright light including car headlights > wear NoIRs
2% (outdoor) & 10% (indoor) are the prescribed Marshall Protocol NoIRs
some people like to also have a pair of 40% for other *occasions*
Something to watch for:
Apart from the fluorescent lighting:
in some stores, hairdressers, etc, malls, airports, be aware also of Natural Light thru Skylights, Windows.... in which case you need skin covered as well.. and maybe the darker glasses..
FAQ: Why is my 'herx' more intense after exposure to Light & / or Vitamin D ?
Dr Marshall wrote: "Failing to protect the skin from radiation (by going outdoors or sitting by an open window or using a direct-radiation infra-red sauna) will result in an inability of your immune system to kill the pathogens, but exposure of your eyes to too much light will just give you a very rocky road to recovery. But you will still recover, albeit more slowly. Everybody has to test their limits and see what they can deal with."
____________________
Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Belinda
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Mar 27th, 2005 01:29 |
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There is a topical antifungal cream, 2% ketoconazole cream, that can be used to stop synthesis of 1,25-D within skin cells. http://tinyurl.com/727bb This report, which explains that skin cells can produce Hormone D in response to light, without the help of other organs, also explains that 2% ketoconazole cream stops skin synthesis of Hormone D. The cream suppressed 1,25-D (in the experiment) when applied immediately after light exposure.
We are still experimenting with the use of 2% ketoconazole cream to stop or block skin synthesis of 1,25-D. We know it works, but this is an off-label use of a prescription antifungal cream. Keep in mind that the report (above) that 1,25-D is produced autonomously by *skin cells* in response to light was published only 2 years ago. This is BIG NEWS that still hasn't been disseminated to many physicians yet.
While the preferred skin protection is to use clothing, gloves, socks, and hats, the 2% ketoconazole cream is something you can discuss with your doctor for topical use on skin that cannot be covered, and *when light exposure is unavoidable*. Patients who have been using ketoconazole cream apply it once daily before sun/light exposure. 2% ketoconazole cream is too expensive to be used on skin all over the body, and there is always the possibility the ketoconazole could be absorbed if it were used too heavily.
There is this report on a safety study of several topical creams, including ketoconazole: http://tinyurl.com/6edbb It said, "Both calcipotriene and ketoconazole were moderate irritants and possible sensitization reactions were also associated with ketoconazole. CONCLUSION: Although every topically applied chemical has the potential to cause an adverse response in some individuals, the data obtained in this study for eight commercially available prescription dermatologic products indicate that most are quite safe and have very low risks of clinically significant irritation or sensitization."
Belinda
See K-cream testimonials
also Topic Ketoconazole cream - How is it working for you?
FAQ How does ketoconazole cream work?
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from Rainbowcatcher: The British can buy A LOT of drugs over the counter without a prescription. Looks like Ketoconazole 2% aka Nizoral is one of them! also can be bought as Daktarin Gold.
http://www.inhousepharmacy.co.uk/infections/nizoral-cream.html
also shampoo to protect scalp!
http://www.inhousepharmacy.co.uk/infections/nizoral-shampoo.html
Does sunscreen prevent the production of Vitamin D?
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Admin
Administrator
| Joined: | Sat Jul 10th, 2004 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 640 |
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Posted: Sat Apr 9th, 2005 18:07 |
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ShrnHml says,
"Attention gardeners.......you CAN garden at night!
A thoughtful friend gave me a halogen headlamp for my birthday. You never have to look directly at the light because it's on your head.
Available at: http://www.sierratradingpost.com
Happy gardening........Sharon"
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
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Posted: Mon Apr 18th, 2005 03:29 |
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What precautions do I need to take when I am going out or when travelling away?
(filelink)
Item #1 of the PHASE ONE MARSHALL PROTOCOL states:
You must avoid sunlight and bright lights by staying indoors as much as possible and covering up well whenever you have to venture outside during daylight hours. You must protect your eyes from sunlight and bright lights by wearing dark NoIR 907 (or the smaller NoIR 707) sunshades whenever outdoors, and the lighter NoIR 901 (or 701) sunshades inside.
WHEN GOING OUT:
Cover all of your skin well with dark clothing, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, etc or apply Rx Ketoconazole 2% Cream to your face and skin that may be exposed during your trip and while driving. and wearing 2% NoIRs to protect from natural light. (the Bolles are only equal to the 10% indoor NoIRs.)
Dr Marshall says, "I used to make sure that I was never more than 4 hours from my last Benicar whenever I had to go outdoors. Then, after the exposure, I needed to keep the 4 hour going for 12 hours after the final exposure. Beyond that I could slip back to normal dosing." to keep symptoms minimal.
& "The short-term consequences of not wearing adequate eye protection will be an increase in neurological symptoms caused by stimulation of the amygdalla in the brain. These neurological symptoms include fatigue, iriitability, aggressiveness, lack of concentration, brain fog, photosensitivity, transient loss of memory, mood swings, confusion, anxiety, anger, neurosis and even psychosis."
see FAQ What times should I take my Benicar? What if I forget a dose?
NB: Have a good supply of Benicar on hand in case you need to take it more often or have trouble sourcing the next Rx, especially if you live alone. Also, never go anywhere without a small container of Benicar and Mino in case you are unavoidably detained.
Stress / anxiety may exacerbate herx / light symptoms... so, a reminder to use your Rx anxiety meds as Rx by your Dr, as part of your going out preparations.. and consciously try to remain calm and peaceful even if you are delayed..
see Why is my 'herx' more intense after exposure to Light & / or Vitamin D ?
To avoid combining herxing and sun flares you may wish to go on maintenance MEDS dosing.
see Can I stop the Marshall Protocol for awhile? ........
for some.. stopping the antibiotics is enough to stop herxing.. and is a good strategy..
for others stopping the mino, the herx symptoms may continue.. and then, more frequent mino may be the best schedule.. As the mino has a half life of 17H, the 12H dosing may be more effective than 24H.. it depends on individual needs and responses as to which you may find best for yourself to use..
To delay herxing / symptoms you can take mino 25mg or 50mg Q12H and Benicar q6h ..... and q4h during excess light exposure, then q6h each night for while you are away.. and for a day or 2 after being settled back to your own darkened environment, till you get over the trip and any possible light exposure symptoms / flare.
and then, you can extend the antibiotics dosing out to QOD as you are able.. and increase again as able.
Check with the Moderators re your own individualised antibiotics schedule as part of your pre planning..
Rest: Taking time out to rest is very important to your Health and Healing, and your ability to cope.
Meals: Plan ahead with your host for appropriate MP meals.
TIPS TO AVOID LIGHT: during the day, take precautions wherever you stop. Some find it better to travel completely at night. see Family adjustments to MP..
BE prepared. Not all hotels etc have good blackout drapes.
Belinda says: I carried flat (dark colored) bedsheets and a package of sewing needles with me. Once we arrived, we hung/nailed these sheets over the windows, using the needles for "nails." With these window coverings, that guest bedroom was a nice retreat for me. Most people do not keep their house as dark as I do, so I tried to limit my social time in the rest of the house to after sundown.
Reenie says: Another idea would be to bring a roll of aluminum foil and scotch tape if you plan to be staying at someone's home for any length of time. Foil is inexpensive and easy to remove..
FOR TRAVELING:
You won't know until you try it if your vacation will be enjoyable while trying to recover from your Th1 inflammation. You may find that taking every precaution is still not enough. I suggest that you keep that in mind and have some contingency plan for abandoning the trip if your symptoms become intolerable. We've had several members postponed long-anticipated vacations after they realized that they might cause harm and they would probably not feel well while traveling.
Immunizations carry the risk of transmitting CWD bacteria along with the vaccine. But traveling to a third world country carries risks of other acute infections. You should follow your doctors advice regarding the immunizations he feels are essential for you to travel. It should be noted that some of them are not mandatory and there is no way to know if they will work.
Traveler's Diarrhea
According to several studies, it appears that regular use of acidophilus and other probiotics can help prevent "traveler's diarrhea" (an illness caused by eating contaminated food, usually in developing countries).
re Travelling in an AIRCRAFT: Light is the main issue.. position yourself near the window so you can pull the shade down, and remember that although you are indoors at the airport, that it is flooded with Natural light so both skin and eyes need to be protected... see the note re Benicar Q4H.
It is good to be able to do things and Live your life as you do MP.. and, the Q12H antibiotics schedule is usually*delaying the bacteria killing rather than *stopping..
(Compiled by Aussie Barb)
see also Barney's Travel Tips
also, Carol says re having a break, I decided to take the mino every 12 hours. started the mino on Friday at midnight with a whole 100mg capsule. I’ve experimented with 100mg every 12 hrs and 50mg every 12 hours and I believe I feel better using the higher dose.
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Belinda's EveryDay extra suggestions:
- all cotton fabric (or a high percentage of cotton) is comfortable and allows layering. Other natural fabrics such as linen and silk can be comfortable, too.
- wearing layers allows removal of some layers when you are indoors, away from sun and lights.
- always keep a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, gloves, scarf, and NoIRs with you. It's a good idea to keep extras in your car (along with extra Benicar).
- I wear a bandana or scarf to protect my neck.
- don't underestimate the effects of the sun. Always be cautious.
I avoided ALL sun exposure - as much as possible - for over a year. There was no perfect way to do this, and when I had to go outdoors in the daytime, I relied on my NoIR glasses, long sleeves, covered with a black cotton sweater, denim or twill (thick fabric slacks) and a wide-brimmed straw hat with Solumbra fabric lining the brim, along with Solumbra fabric gloves. I know Solumbra products are not perfect, but my opinion is that they were the best I could find. Solumbra fabric gloves are available in a neutral color, which makes them less conspicuous, so I felt comfortable wearing them most of the time outdoors. I also liked the fact that Solumbra gloves are designed to fit tightly.
Just my two cents. I am not promoting these products as the perfect answer to avoiding sun exposure, but I decided that if a person has to go outdoors, these products are helpful tools. The main thing is to be disciplined about trekking outdoors.
____________________
Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Jun 17th, 2005 21:43 |
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AVOIDING SUNLIGHT and BRIGHT LIGHTSlink
Outside activities
Chris,
Your question implies that it is okay to take the Marshall Protocol meds while continuing outside activities during the day. Nothing could be further from the truth. Alaskan Dave decided he had no choice but to work outside. He has made progress in symptom resolution but he has been very symptomatic. Most people would not have been able to tolerate such an increase in symptoms and your message states that you are "presently barely getting by physically".
If you have any other option, you should not be considering the MP while planning to continue your outside activities. Some people can get by with cheating on sun exposure without feeling too bad. Others cannot continue because they become too symptomtic.
Please try to find work that does not require that you go outside. It may be tough enough to just continue working inside.
Best,
Meg
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Wed Jun 22nd, 2005 21:43 |
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AVOIDING SUNLIGHT and BRIGHT LIGHTSlink
What does 30 lux mean?..... Having a Lux meter takes the anxiety and guesswork out of the Lighting question.
Can anyone explain how to tell if lighting sources are 30 LUX?
"Here is a link to a discussion of lux meters .
In practical terms, the various suggestions about how to darken a room usually result in a room that is the appropriate number of lux for the MP.
I did a web search in hopes of finding a simple explanation. Here is a quote, for those who are curious about the whole thing:
"One of the most important considerations in selecting a light source is how much light it will generate. The unit of measure used for determining light is the lumen. One lumen equals the amount of light generated by a single standard candle.
While lumens are a measurement of light output from the light source (lamp), it only indirectly correlates to how much usable light there is for a certain application. This is true because visual light is actually how much illuminance is reflected from the surface(s) it hits. Light can be absorbed or reflected in different ratios depending on the surface it touches. This accounts for many other factors involved in lighting an area such as the type of fixture (reflector) used, how dirty or clean the fixture is, the total size of the space (room) to be illuminated, the color (reflectivity) of the walls, floor, and ceiling, among other factors.
To determine how much light actually illuminates a surface, a different measurement, foot-candle (fc.), must be used. A foot-candle is 1 lumen of uniform illuminance over the area of 1 square foot. The metric equivalent to foot-candles is lux (1 lumen per square meter). To convert fc. to lux, multiply the fc. by 0.0929. To convert lux to fc. multiply lux by 10.76."
http://tinyurl.com/8xgry
Margo
.......
Thanks for the help. I was curious because the Chicago Conference DVD pack contains a written statement which explains that the quality of the DVD may be adversely affected by the low light level in the conference room, 30 lux. Although the room appears dim, it certainly is not dark.
..........
Dr Marshall wrote: Miniblinds or vertical blinds are not enough, the rooms you inhabit most will need dark curtain material. IKEA sometimes has some really dark curtain material, but the inventories fluctuate from time to time.
IMO it is best to block all external light from the areas you use, and rely on judicious incandescent lighting.
Your sensitivity will drop markedly over the first 6-12 months, although care will still be needed to the 18-24 month mark, by which time you should be occasionally venturing outdors (still rugged up). Only when the inflammation has fully resolved will the skin stop hyper-converting incident radiation.
...................
Getting started with sun/lights avoidance
I strongly urge you to buy a lux meter. It's too hard to guess if you are getting too much light in your home. Measuring the light in each room is something that a family member could do for you. Then your family can decide which rooms need to be darkened so you can function in your home and recover from your disease while family members have some space that receives natural light or has brighter lighting than 30 lux.
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dsiebenh (Dave) wrote: here is a link to a web page on converting Lux to an approximate camera meter reading. This way you don't need to buy a Lux meter to see how dark your house is:
Set your (old-style, manual) camera to 400 ASA film. A meter reading of 1/30 sec. at f 1.4 is about 30 lux. This assumes your camera is pointed at an "18% gray" protographer's exposure card, but pointing it at a caucasian face, or other photographically "neutral" surface will be close enough. As long as the camera is not pointed at a pure black, or pure white surface (which would throw off the meter).
http://www.geocities.com/thombell/charts.html
..................
Debbie-O wrote: I recently bought a lux meter from this place for $39.95 + $6.00 for shipping. http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/FX101f.htm
In Australia: Dick Smith Electronics
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Wed Sep 7th, 2005 00:10 |
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AVOIDING SUNLIGHTlink
Saunas
Q. I always get a boost from using a sauna. I understand an infra red sauna is not adviseable but what about a regualar sauna??
A. Heat without infrared rays is okay but you should be careful to only raise your body temperature one degree or so. And keep in mind that the increased body temperature may cause increased tissue perfusion of the antibiotic/s which could increase the symptoms of a Herxheimer reaction.
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
| Posts: | 19252 |
| Status: |
Online
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 01:29 |
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K-cream testimonials
(filelink)
see also Topic Ketoconazole cream - How is it working for you?
FAQ How does ketoconazole cream work? says in part: Dr Marshall wrote:
Do not use Ketoconazole cream as a substitute for protecting your skin with clothing
"However, I must emphasize to you that it is necessary to keep your D levels low. K cream is just not the way to do things, IMO. It is a band-aid, and, if used as I suspect you are using it (to protect yourself from relatively frequent sun exposure) can well get in the way of healing. The pain and suffering resulting from light and sun exposure feels not that much different from herx, but it does not assist the healing as herx does."
"I held down a job for a decade while wearing glasses equivalent to NoIRs and dodging the outdoors. I didn't need K cream, just careful planning.
I think it should be reserved for emergencies."
..Trevor..
K-cream should be reserved for folks who must go outside.
Members who use K Cream to go out to work:
PdeJager wrote:
"I make it a point to use K-cream on exposed skin (including my mainly hairless scalp) every day, whether I'm planning to go outside or not. I also make sure that I reapply it after I've had a shower. My reasoning is that I do have to go out most days (to go to work in an office lit mainly by daylight) and that, while I have a few dark rooms in the house (including my study/cave), the rest of my extended family live there too, so I'm going to be exposed to light in my house too.
I forgot to apply K-cream one day I went to work, and the result was extreme fatigue. Even though I was mostly covered by dark clothing and wore a cap, I had to come home early and rest. (I stick to my 8-hourly Benicar schedule, and if I do something silly like not applying K-cream, I put up with the consequences -- learning from my mistakes.)
.............
Zackone wrote:
A little note about my K-cream use... I use it judiciously every day when I am at work. I put it on my neck (front and back), ears, face and forehead before I leave in the morning, and a second time around lunch time. I do this because of where I work. I do wear a ski mask or my Solumbra mask and caped hat during my trips to a from. My office is great (incandescent light and windows covered) but the actual mill environment has many large windows. I do wear gloves (Mechanix) whenever outside or in the mill, and always wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, and slacks (no shorts). Wearing a mask or similar just isn't possible in the mill, mainly for safety reasons. I do take my benicar every 4 hours at work, and every six hours at home (including weekends) (6a, 10a, 2p, 6p, 12m). The only effect I occasionally feel is l/s lip numbness while at work, so this could very well be my "sun flare". This is, however, very manageable. I really believe that this cream is allowing me to participate in the MP; without it, I think I would be sunk!!<<
.......
ZThomson wrote: I echo your thoughts regarding K2 cream. I wear it every day as well and apply a second coat if I have to be outside. My job can take me out for short periods occasionally...once or twice a week. I do get some exposure on my face and hands.
I am sure that K2 works better for some than others, just like oral meds can. I believe (or hope) it is working for me too.<<
...........
Morris W. Milnes wrote:
My K cream use. I don't know how well it works because I don't go out without it. I use it as a back up, never my primary protector. My face cover is light colored and not as thick as my clothes, so I always cover my face and neck before I go out of a morning. I also cover my hands in case I remove my gloves to get something from my wallet. I have not, not done this, so nothing I can report. I use it as a just in case measure.<<
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from Rainbowcatcher: The British can buy A LOT of drugs over the counter without a prescription. Looks like Ketoconazole 2% aka Nizoral is one of them! also can be bought otc as Daktarin Gold.
http://www.inhousepharmacy.co.uk/infections/nizoral-cream.html
also shampoo to protect scalp!
http://www.inhousepharmacy.co.uk/infections/nizoral-shampoo.html
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CAUTION:
JudyBeauty wrote: My Wednesday doctors appointment exposed me to my first prolonged dose of sunlight. I could tell the difference in the way I felt when I got home and the next day. More tired and heart shakey.
It really is important to stay inside if you can. I've tried it both ways. The first time was very hard. This time is much easier. Even though I was covered from head to toe, Noirs, and K cream I could feel the negative effects of the sun exposure. <<
.............
Some Members could be dermatologically sensitive to topical Ketoconazole and / or could have symptoms due to the sun. We may be placing too much faith in the ability of K-cream to prevent production of 1,25-D in the skin. This false sense of security might lead some people to be in sunlight longer than they can tolerate. The amount of time that is too long will vary from person to person.
Please don't rely on K-cream to help you tolerate more time outside. It's effects are very limited and may provide a false sense of security. Those who are symptomatic after sun exposure simply need to stay indoors until they are feeling better.
Oral antifungals are not recommended because they are toxic to the liver. There is, at this time, no way to get around the necessity to avoid sun and bright lights until you are less symptomatic.
____________________
Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
| Posts: | 19252 |
| Status: |
Online
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Posted: Sun Jan 29th, 2006 16:52 |
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(P.Bear R.N. wrote:
I have been on benicar almost a full year and still can not tolerate 2% amber Noirs alone outdoors in the day; I must wear 15% glacier glasses under. Inside I sometimes have to still wear 40% noirs over 30% sunglasses (or 10 % Noirs over clear) when I am herxing strongly, but mostly 30% is OK because the house is so dark. Pre-MP I always wore sunglasses outside, but needed allot more light to see than most people inside. At night I would have relative night blindness. It was a bit surprising to me how strongly my optical system was effected by my chronic infection, and the MP unmasked this. The fact that I no longer have blurry vision every afternoon and evening is stunning proof to me of the effectiveness of the MP.
I find my spells of insomnia and hypersomnia vary with herxing and with the particular combo of meds I am on. all best, P.B.
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scd032003 Karen wrote:
Pre MP, I always experienced gut problems after travelling but this time, fully protected by 2% NOIRS x 2, K cream etc, the damage was minimal. ..................................
drvikki Phase 2 wrote:
After having a hard time dampening symptoms I think probably I was having more sun flares than I realized.
I have to wear Noirs indoors even with lux 3-5 and 15-25 watt bulbs. I loved being able to go without glasses in my own home. I am having a hard time reading or even seeing anything. I have been reading as much as I can on the web board about what other people are doing. I'm wearing 2% on the computer and got out a pair of very dark amber Ray Ban sunglasses to put under my 2% when I go out to work. I learned a lot by reading Cautionary Tale regarding NoIRs.
____________________
Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Wed Apr 19th, 2006 04:13 |
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You must protect from more than UVB
Skin cancer epidemic underway in the US
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Sep 8th, 2006 02:05 |
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(filelink)
Clothing
Dr. Marshall has said expensive commercial products touted to block the suns rays are not necessary and if you are very photosensitive, they will not provide enough protection.
"Yes, it is amazing how much radiation gets through the single layer garments. That is why we are pretty certain the Infra-red (heat) radiation is also a factor, at least with people who are pretty seriously ill... Like most of us..."
"Excessive sweating is caused by the disease, and by immunopathology. It will disappear as you progress through the MP. Eventually you will see heavy clothing as insulating you from the heat - a concept that one of my academic advisers advanced to me in the 1970s, and one I never really understood until the last few years.
When I was ill I used to buy the capilene thermal underwear from Patagonia. For example: http://tinyurl.com/6n9htg and http://tinyurl.com/5jydjb
This stuff wicked away the sweat beautifully, so that it didn't collect and stain. Additionally, it didn't rot like the cotton undies did.
"I still wear the stuff. You might have noticed me walking around Stockholm in my shirt without showing any signs of cold. Now you know why... The interesting thing is that it is brilliant in both hot and cold weather, so I wear it whenever I travel...
..Trevor..
Specialized clothing that blocks UVA and UVB rays (such as SunPrecautions or Solumbra), is not nearly as effective as wearing dark, thick clothing.
"Dark clothing stops all light energy from falling on the skin. That is your goal. The thin white fabrics that are supposed to stop UV are as useless as your car windows, which, after all, absorb 98% of UV light. Yet they might as well be totally trasnparent fot all the good they do for PWCs.
The problem with lightweight material is that it lets the heat through, which is almost as bad as the light. I used to notice this with the sun shining on my trousers while driving. Then I started to use the 'Patagonia' medium weight thermal underwear, and the heat problem essentially went away.
Capilene' is the fabric I use. As well as giving good thermal protection (IR) it also wicks away any sweat really well."
"UV blocking is not what you need. You need to block everything, visible and IR included. the lightweight fabrics typically don't do this."
..Trevor..
Black vs. white clothing
There's something of a tradeoff going on. Most fibers aren't really "white", they are translucent, and therefore let a lot of light through. Using black fibers helps reduce that, so you will usually see less transmitted light through a black material that is otherwise the same. A lot gets through the openess of the weave too. But... You are also correct about the white reflecting light, which is good. The black does absorb more, and it reemits it as infrared. (blackbody radiation, if you want to look it up)
Infrared can also be a problem, but the natural insulative qualities of material can help block that. The Capilene/Zensah material insulates well, and that's why it was recommended as an undergarment. That way, if the sun is beating down on your outer layer, you are insulated from the IR that is coming off the underside of the outer layer.
The upshot is that light/white over black may be a good approach if you can't block the light entirely (say with ultrasuede) I wore my black Zensah stuff all summer and didn't suffer from it and it's nice and cozy now that the weather has turned cold. ~Knochen
Alternative to Capilene clothing
I have been testing an undergament made by the Zensah company, and it has proven to be very nice, so I think I can safely recommend them to the group. I use it as a secondary light blocking layer under my long sleeve shirt. It's comparable to the Capilene stuff that Dr. Marshall has suggested.
I ran light transmission readings on it (in the black version) and got similar or slightly better results from those posted here for Capilene, so it does provide considerable protection, but not complete. It's very good for keeping out IR, as it has excellent insulating qualities. It's silky smooth to the touch. Comfy!
I got the Long Sleeve Tactical Loose Fit shirt in black. I liked it so much I ordered a few more so I could wear one every day. Here's the website http://www.zensah.com/ (Disclaimer - I have no association with this company, just want other MPers to be as comfortable and light protected as possible. ~Knochen
Sun Protective Clothing and Heat protective
Black is best at blocking sunlight from skin. However, some items may be available only in lighter colors.
Here are links to various products:
Discussion of Solumbra Accessories
Head Wrap
Solarweave products:
http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/99981.asp.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/85330+DST+M/L.asp
http://www.sungrubbies.com/Sunhat1widebrimhats.htm
-My local REI store has a great selection of hats and gloves. The white or stone "Sierra Drape Hat" covers the back of the neck and ears. The fabric is light weight but VERY tightly woven.
-The black "Silkweight Windstopper" gloves will be perfect for summer driving or walking the dog.
http://www.coolibar.com/
Chic Shiek face cover
burfish.com face cover
Wal-mart carries a full head cover with face cover attached in the hunting section of the store for 6.95. It leaves just enough room for your glasses and is quite comfortable. It only comes in Camouflage but that can be changed with a 99 cent bottle of Rit dye..Here is a link to the pic of a hat w mask as it is worn etc.
http://www.alumarine.com/images/pdf/suntamer.pdf
As I've been told leather gloves are very good I went to a chain leather Store called Wilson's Leather that seems to be in most malls. There I bought black leather gloves that are thin and flexible. Of course that's the first time I've paid 30 dollars for a pair of gloves. ~Morris
-I use a leather scarf, which I can pull up over my nose if need be. I can literally leather up (from coat and gloves to leather scarf) to the bottom of my Noirs. (Velcro at the back of the neck holds it comfortably in place.) I thought I would share the (rather racy, but price is right) website ~eClaire
http://www.jaminleather.net/prodinfo.asp?number=BA321.
http://www.sunprecautions.com sells "just sleeves" among other products. ~Lori
http://www.coolibar.com has face wraps, sleeves and other products to wear with shirts w short sleeves
(Men & Women) the Village Hat Shop has the largest selection of hats. ~Alayne
http://www.foxglovesinc.com/features.php This is a website for some great gloves especially for those of us with Raynaud's. They provide 50 UPF according to the website. I never go out without them. Try the grip ones when you drive. Great. ~elijuh
Womens wide brim hats
COOLING:
Cool Downz ready made
How to Make Cool Ties or Bandanas
Clothing questions and suggestions
Related topics:
Photosensitivity During Recovery from Th1 Inflammatory Disease
What are the new recommendations regarding sun exposure?
Does sunscreen prevent the production of Vitamin D?
Testimonials to the need to avoid light?
Last edited on Tue Jun 17th, 2008 21:30 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Thu Sep 14th, 2006 01:12 |
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(filelink)
Do car windows, weather or geographical location affect the amount of sun exposure allowed?
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Tue Dec 5th, 2006 03:39 |
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(filelink)
Window coverings
Window coverings must be dark enough to block out all visible light.
Window Tinting Film does not keep out visible light.. Dr. Marshall says these films do not work. He's tried them. You need something dark enough to block all light -visible, infrared, and ultraviolet-from entering. Further, your sensitivity is an order of magnitude higher than that of a healthy individual. Please see Incident Radiation Tutorial for more information.
Redi Shades
We found a great product at Lowes (or Home Depot) to put under shades or curtains. It is inexpensive (about $5.00), easy to install and does the trick. It comes in 2 sizes 36" wide or 48" wide, both are 72" long. It can be cut down to a smaller width easily. We taped it to the bedroom window top and bottom and it blocks quite a bit of light. Since I rarely go thru the rest of my house we just keep the rest at a minimum amount of light. ~Delray
Paulalbert says: I bought some Redi Shade vinyl room darkening blinds. They certainly do the trick. Six dollars a window! and easy to use. ~Paulalbert
A cheap online source of black redi-shades. ~Sunflower
The skylights have shades professionaly installed and because they still emitted too much light, my daughter slid paper Redi-Shades inbetween the glass and installed shades which has worked nicely. ~DNStog
I used black trash bags and wide scotch tape. ~Spacee
To darken a room put black plastic up, taped on inside of windows. Its cheap and great for toilet and bathroom. It's stronger than foil. It can be use on the edge of glass doors, if the curtain doesn't always block the light. To air room- open window, of course don't stay there and close door. Buy it at any hardware store, and its cheap. Cut it wider than you need as you can fold the edge to measure. ~Grace
I found I was like Jill and soon needed to get the room darker than I could with mini-blinds. My solution was to get some "blackout curtain backing" fabric to use to make temporary curtains. I found the fabric at the Jo-Ann Fabrics store. It is white in color. They sell it for $6.99/yard of 54 inch wide fabric. My husband cut the fabric to size to fit over 4 large picture windows we have in our living room. We also put it up over the bedroom windows. My mother-in-law helped out by sewing small curtain rings onto the upper corners of the fabric. We put some small nails up at the upper corners of the windows. This way we can hang the curtains up but still easily take them down, for instance in the evening after it is dark. I like to look out at the city lights then and it helps ease the sense of claustrophobia from having the blinds closed all day long. This has been a great solution for me, and also inexpensive, since Jo-Ann's often has 40% off coupons and we used that. The fabric really does block all light so just a bit comes out around the edges, basically enough to barely see not to stub your toes while walking around. ~Catlady
My daughter bought these really cool brown leather curtains for her livingroom at Penny's. Really total blackout and a rather modern look for her, so we are both happy. So when I visit, no more sun issue. ~Melinda
I have tried aluminum foil, mini blinds and black sheets together. Foil rattles when wind blows (annoying). Wind blows a lot here in NM. The thing that seemed to help the most was 'bubble foil wrap'. This is bubble wrap with foil on both sides. This can be found in very narrow or very wide widths depending on your window width or buy the widest and cut to fit. Then I use stick pins and a tight fit to hold inside window frames. It can be found at most hardware stores, maybe even at FM in your area. Instead of going out searching for this and getting the light exposure...LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE WALKING. Use the phone to locate and then ask if they will deliver or ask a friend to pick it up for you. ~Barney
I purchased 15 packages of black vinyl opaque shower curtains from Walmart and will be nailing them to the windows today! My husband, Tom and the plants will have the guest room as a retreat. Heavy Duty Commercial Grade Black Vinyl Shower Curtain or Liner. They are $5.96 each at Walmart. We did a few of the windows today and they worked out beautifully.  Hopefully they will also help with some of the heating costs as well. ~DianeC
Sealing room-darkening shades
I wanted to share an idea I had after putting up room darkening poll-down shades. They didn't seem to seal very well around the edges, letting light in. I went to Walmart and bought some round velcro fasteners ( these were specifically for smooth surfaces. They come in white or black and just cost a few dollars) which I attached to my window frame and to the back of the shade. it brings the shade close to the window frame and seals out much more light. This enables my family to undo the velcro when I'm not in the room and roll up the shade. The only drawbacks I see are -that it may leave adhesive on the wooden window frame( but would be great on vynal or metal sashes)- I will try Goo-Gone when the time comes. AND on occasion ,they pull away from the frame- but I just rub it down and it works.I used 3 sets on eash window. top, middle, bottom. It helped a lot. ~CJ Waterhouse
Car windows
My UV meter shows only one drop in SPF-equivalent levels inside and outside the car window when parked in the California sun. So I would agree that if Auto Safety Glass attenuates UV, it doesn't absorb very much. Of course, since you don't need UV to make 1,25-D in the keratinocytes of the skin this is all probably irrelevant, but I thought you might like to know
..Trevor..
Shopping
Some stores have mercury vapor lighting, which can be very intense in the UV spectrum. I am pretty sure the body can make D metabolites in the skin without heat or light. The lamprey and zebra fish, for example, do it (presumably) with enzymes.
..Trevor..
Booklights
I also read in bed at night with no NOIRs (I read laying down and it's too uncomfortable.) I suggest turning off all lamps and using a small booklight, then I point the booklight against the pillow or upside down so that it puts out just enough light so I can see to read. There are a number of different booklights. You may need to try a couple different models to get one that works best for this. The one I use is called "Lumatec." It can probably be ordered online. I think I bought it at Barnes Noble bookstore. It's small and flat and I place it so the light faces the bed and then lift it up just enough for some light to read by. ~Sandiegojoy
-When we took the tin foil off the windows of the house in preparation for the move, we found tremendous amounts of mold. It had been fine during the summer when it is hot and dry, so anyone living in that kind of environment would be fine. But once the weather turned cold so that there was a temperature difference between outside and inside the house, the condensation grew on the window panes which then was trapped by the tin foil. Thus encouraging mold growth. We were also fortunate that the windows were made of PVC, because if they were wood, the condensation and mold would have done damage to the window settings. So something to keep in mind. ~Juanita
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