So housing is to blame for chest infections and winter ills? I was brought up in a house that when the wind blew, scrim and wallpaper moved on the walls. My only day off school was for the mumps.

We had an open fire that warmed your fronts, but not your backs. It was warmer to go to bed with a book. No television in those days. But the weather was the same.

The reason we stayed well was we wore singlets and vests under our clothes. Today, lightweight merino, in many colours, can be worn.

Instead of donating raincoats children rich or poor refuse to wear, give vests and singlets.

Give it a go and I'm sure you'll see a big drop in winter ills. V

Carter, Te Puke.