Knowledge - RISC

Electromagnetic waves: A secret close-to-home danger

By RISC | 1 day ago

  Does your mobile phone ever make you dizzy?That dizziness might be caused by electromagnetic waves. They have also been linked to nausea, depression, insomnia, and stress. Non-ionizing radiation is emitted in different amounts and ranges by electronic devices such as...- Air conditioners, electric fans, hairdryers, coffeemakers, toasters, and laptops – which emit electromagnetic waves within 0.3 meters. - Televisions, washing machines, and refrigerators – which emit electromagnetic waves within 0.6 meters. - Mobile phones, tablets, routers, and microwaves – which emit electromagnetic waves within 1.2 meters.It’s not 100% certain how electromagnetic waves affect our brains. But we can’t be sure that they’re entirely safe. To safeguard our well-being, it’s better to reduce our exposure.In every project, RISC applies its residential well-being standard to ensure electric sockets and devices are in suitable locations. In bedrooms, especially, they are placed to protect residents from direct exposure to electromagnetic waves. Let’s also learn to use electricity safely for our health.Information credit: World Health Organization (WHO)

"Eating vegetarian foods" is good more than we think.

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Vegetarianism isn’t just morally good. It’s also good for your health.Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients in all 5 groups. Beans and grains provide proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, while lots of fruit and vegetable have vitamins and minerals. People often worry that they need nutrients from meat. But protein and fat from vegetables have the same nutritional value. Most importantly, the body can adjust to healthy, residue-free, low-calorie, cholesterol-free options.Eating fruits and vegetables can also benefit your digestive system, purify your blood, reduce cell degeneration, help organs function normally, and build your immune system. You can also reduce the incidence of diseases associated with eating too much meat too such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, fat clots in the arteries, and even cancer of the stomach and intestines.At this year's vegetarian festival, RISC invites you to try changing your diet. Eat fruits and vegetables and avoid meat. You won’t just gain merit but also sustainably improve your health.

Which kind of room is suitable for elderly?

By RISC | 3 days ago

  อย่างที่รู้กัน...พอคนเราอายุมากขึ้นเข้าสู่วัยชรา สภาพร่างกายและฮอร์โมนต่างๆ ในร่างกายจะมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงไป ทั้งการเคลื่อนไหวที่ไม่คล่องแคล่วเหมือนก่อน การรับฟังที่แย่ลง สายตาไม่มองไม่ชัด รวมทั้งอารมณ์และฮอร์โมนเสื่อมลง ส่งผลให้ห้องต่างๆ ที่ผู้สูงอายุใช้เป็นประจำอาจจะต้องปรับให้เหมาะสมตามไปด้วยครับ อย่างเช่น... พื้นที่ในส่วนที่ทำกิจกรรมในครอบครัว หรือห้องนั่งเล่น ควรใช้สีโทนอ่อน เปิดให้ได้รับช่วงคลื่นแสงสีขาว (Blue Wave) ช่วง 447-484 nm ซึ่งเป็นแสงจากธรรมชาติเข้ามา เพราะจะช่วยกระตุ้นการรับจอประสาทตาที่เชื่อมต่อกับนาฬิกาชีวภาพ (Circadian Rhythm) กระตุ้นการผลิตสารเคมีของสมอง รักษาความผิดปกติทางอารมณ์ ส่วนการออกแบบห้อง ผนังควรลดเสียงรบกวนจากภายนอก และควรเลือกวัสดุที่มีการสะท้อนเสียงได้ดี เพื่อให้ได้ยินเสียงชัดเจนขึ้น และยังเป็นการสร้างความมั่นใจในการใช้ชีวิตและกิจวัตรประจำวันในการสื่อสารให้กับผู้สูงอายุได้ด้วยขณะที่ห้องนอน ควรใช้สีฟ้าอ่อน เพราะเป็นสีที่กระตุ้นประสาทการรับรู้ ทำให้รู้สึกผ่อนคลาย ลดอาการนอนไม่หลับ ลดความเจ็บป่วย ที่สำคัญควรอยู่ในทิศตะวันออกและมีช่องรับแสงธรรมชาติเข้ามา เพื่อให้ร่างกายได้สร้างสารเคมีกระตุ้นสมอง ลดอาการซึมเศร้า ลดอาการเครียด และส่งเสริมคุณภาพการนอนหลับและระบบนาฬิกาชีวภาพนอกจากนี้ทุกห้องในบ้าน อากาศควรถ่ายเทได้ดี ลดการสะสมของมลพิษภายในห้อง และควรมีพื้นที่สีเขียว เพื่อเปิดโอกาสให้ได้รับเสียงจากธรรมชาติ อย่างเช่น เสียงลมพัด เสียงใบไม้ไหว เสียงนกร้อง หรือแม้แต่เสียงจากน้ำพุน้ำตก ซึ่งเสียงเหล่านี้จะทำให้สมองอยู่ในช่วงอัลฟา (Alpha Wave 9-14 Hz) ทำให้จิตใจสงบและมีสมาธิ ช่วยส่งเสริมสุขภาพกายและจิตใจไปพร้อมๆ กัน  

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living Quality

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Good quality of life in a house or condominium requires the right surroundings and community. Life quality has 2 key aspects:1. Communal facilities Multipurpose areas for communities can enhance life quality and build relationships, such as through garden design that supports horticultural therapy. Gardening is a popular choice because research shows that just 30 minutes of gardening boosts mood and reduces depression, anxiety, and cortisol levels.Playing with pets can also enhance happiness and well-being, even benefiting the heart and arteries, according to the US National Institutes of Health.2. Building structure Comfort and durability matter in homes as much as appearance. If you feel anxious or worried, your cortisol levels will rise, affecting your brain in the long term. Good design and a lasting warranty are important for peace of mind, covering: - Structure, such as columns, beams, and floors- Roofs, to safeguard from leaks- Pipes and wiring, to be free from leaks or short circuits- Doors and windows, to function correctlyA pleasant environment with communal areas for relaxing with family and friends can create a good social atmosphere for living. Good residential design and a lasting warranty can further enhance quality of life in every aspect, building confidence and comfort.   References: Soga, M., et al. (2017). Health benefits of urban allotment gardening: improved physical and psychological well-being and social integration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(1), 71. Van Den Berg, A. E., & Custers, M. H. (2011). Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress. Journal of Health Psychology, 16(1), 3-11. Katherine Jacobs Bao and George Schreer Department of Psychology, Manhattanville College, New York, USA National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services   DANNY LIPFORDhttps://www.aboutdannylipford.com/Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Lipford, D., &amp; Backed by his 40-year remodeling career. (2020, September 04). How Your Home Affects Your Mental Health. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from https://todayshomeowner.com/how-your-home-affects-your.../

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living with Nature

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Do you feel relaxed surrounded by nature or greenery?An outdoor environment with trees or gardens can enhance mental health and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, according to research. If over 20% of your neighborhood is green, you’ll feel less stress. If it’s over 30%, your anxiety will decrease too.Nature therapy includes healing garden design focused on landscapes with trees, flowers, ponds, and waterfalls to provide pleasant colors, smells, and sounds. This theory can be applied in gardens at hospitals and healthcare facilities for older adults, children, and anyone whose body and mind need care. Stress and mental health problems can affect anyone and any gender or age. That's why a healing garden is another good choice to create a proper environment for good physical and mental well-being.Many kinds of animal live in green areas too. Green spaces in urban areas can enhance biodiversity by connecting people, animals, and the environment for natural balance.Preserving green areas and creating gardens are crucial for good physical and mental health and for keeping nature and humans in harmony.In the next post, we’ll explain more about living quality and its physical and mental benefits. Stay tuned!   Reference: Beyer, K. M., et al.(2014). Exposure to neighborhood green space and mental health: evidence from the survey of health of wisconsin. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(3), 3453-72. Cox, D. T. C., et al. (2017). Doses of Neighborhood Nature: The Benefits for Mental Health of Living with Nature. Bioscience, biw173. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., &amp; Depledge, M. H. (2013). Would You Be Happier Living in a Greener Urban Area? A Fixed-Effects Analysis of Panel Data. Psychological Science, 24(6), 920-928. doi:10.1177/0956797612464659 ผู้ที่อยู่อาศัยใกล้พื้นที่สีเขียว อย่างสวนสาธารณะ มีความทุกข์ ทรมานใจลดลง และมีสุขภาวะที่ดีขึ้น

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Health & Safety

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Everyone needs comfort and peace of mind, free from anxiety, illness, and stress. That's why we need to choose materials for health and safety in our homes.Materials often emit toxins, especially indoors. Daily contact can hurt our eyes, noses, skin, and lungs. In the long term, we can face a higher risk of cancer or respiratory diseases.Design and materials should also enhance safety and reduce accidents like slips or falls. Slipping is the second most common cause of fatal accidents and injuries for toddlers and adults of 65 or older.To tackle these issues, design for health and safety can follow these precautions:1. Non-toxic and low-emission materialsThe most common indoor chemical issue is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are ingredients and solvents in building materials like glue, grout, coatings, composite wood, decorations, carpets, and furniture. That's why we need to be aware of high-VOC materials by checking certificates of VOC content and emissions. Many programs now test and guarantee building materials and furniture, such as UL Greenguard and the Thai Green Label by Thailand Environment Institute (TEI).2. Design for safety To prevent and reduce accidents, choose slip-resistant material appropriate to each area’s specific risks. Floor tiles can be selected by their R rating from Germany's DIN 51130 Slip Test. The higher the number, the better the slip resistance. In general multipurpose or dry areas, floors should be at least R9. Wet areas in bathrooms should be at least R11.Choosing materials and design for health and safety is important for comfort and peace of mind for residents, helping enhance well-being for all life.In the next post, we’ll explain more about living with nature and its physical and mental benefits. Stay tuned!Information credit:- US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health - WHO, National Center for Health Statistics

Slippery problems? Let's get to know R rating in flooring material

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Slipping accidents caused 2,018 deaths in 2017, or 6-7 people each day, with 1,046 deaths among older adults, about 3 people each day, according to recent statistics from the Department of Health.Slippery surfaces include damp floors in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, and even balconies. So it’s important to choose floor materials that score well on Germany's DIN 51130 Slip Test. Ramp tests give a value from R9 to R13. The higher the number, the better the slip resistance.To reduce accidents, RISC has set standards for each MQDC project. In dry areas like bedrooms, corridor, or stairs, floors should be R9. Areas that can get wet from rain, like parking lots, should be R10. Dry area in bathrooms should be R10. Wet areas in bathrooms and kitchens, where oil might also be a factor, should be R11.Before buying flooring material, check the R rating on the label or ask the retailer or manufacturer. For more details, visit RISC and learn more about safe homes.Credit: Department of Health, 2017 (https://multimedia.anamai.moph.go.th/news/250763/

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Acoustical Design for Mental Health

By RISC | 3 days ago

  No one likes noise, right? So what can we do about it?Noise pollution is a leading nuisance for people in big cities, especially from traffic, airplanes, construction, and industry. These noises cause poor sleep quality and raise the risk of strokes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. They even affect how well children can learn mental arithmetic.But landscaping and interior design can greatly reduce indoor and outdoor noises with these measures.1. Reducing outdoor noiseBuilding mounds, planting trees, and creating gardens can reduce noise. Different tree leaves also have different noise reduction effects.- Trees with tiny leaves like Wrightia religiosa and Murraya paniculata can reduce sounds with high frequencies like trumpets or whistles.- Trees with big leaves like breadfruit, teak, and Ptychosperma macarthurii can reduce noises with a low frequency like drums or cars.2. Reducing indoor noisesIndoor building materials with a suitable sound transmission class (STC) in wall and floors can effectively reduce noise.- The STC for walls between residences should be around 50-55, such as 2-layered autoclaved aerated concrete wall with an air gap.- Indoor walls can have reduced thickness and STC due to fewer impacts. The STC should be about 45 such as 10-centimeter autoclaved aerated concrete wall.A study found that environments without noise can reduce anxiety, stress, and health risks. Landscapes and interior design are important to reduce noise and improve working, studying, sleeping, as well as physical and mental health for everyone.In the next post, we’ll explain more about health and safety and its physical and mental effects. Stay tuned!   References: Comfort. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2020, from https://standard.wellcertified.com/comfort Fyhri A, Aasvang GM. Noise, sleep and poor health: Modeling the relationship between road traffic noise and cardiovascular problems. Sci Total Environ. 2010;408(21):4935-4942. Evan GW, Jonhson D. Stress and open-office noise. J Appl Psychol. 2000;85(5):779-783. Babisch W. Updated exposure-response relationship between road traffic noise and coronary heart diseases: A meta-analysis. Noise Heal. 2014;16(68):1.

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Lighting Quality

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Ever wondered what happens if we get too little natural light?Light not only lets us see our surroundings. It also affects our eyesight, nervous system, and feelings. A study found that enough natural light can boost our mood. On the other hand, too little natural light can cause depression. That’s why natural light is good for physical and mental health as well as saving energy. Space design should maximize indoor natural light. But, as Thailand is a tropical country, we need to cut heat and glare. Window direction, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), and façade design with shading help create beautiful indoor lighting.If an area gets too little natural light, artificial light for a good environment should take account of:1. Light temperatureIn a working area, natural or cool white light (4,000-5,000 Kelvin) can create an active atmosphere and aid concentration.In areas to relax like bedrooms and living rooms, a warm white light (2,700-3,500 Kelvin) or warm orange light can create a cozy atmosphere.2. Lamp positionDo not install a lamp directly above your head because it will create shade when you’re reading or doing other activities and also cause heat.Appropriate design and use of light can enhance physical and mental health, save energy, and create a happy living environment.In the next post, we’ll explain more about acoustic quality and its physical and mental effects. Stay tuned!   References: ขอขอบคุณข้อมูลจาก Lam RW, Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, et al. Efficacy of bright light treatment, fluoxetine, and the combination in patients with nonseasonal major depressive disorder a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(1):56-63. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2235. Kent ST, McClure LA, Crosson WL, Arnett DK, Wadley VG, Sathiakumar N. Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: A REGARDS cross-sectional study. Environ Heal A Glob Access Sci Source. 2009;8(1):34. doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34. How to decide on the right color temperature? (2017, November 30). Retrieved August 27, 2020, from https://www.into-led.com/.../led-blog/color-temperature/ How Lighting Affects the Productivity of Your Workers. (2017, September 11). Retrieved August 27, 2020, from https://onlinemba.unc.edu/.../how-lighting-affects.../ What is the best color temperature for office? (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2020, from https://www.upshine.com/.../what-is-the-best-color... 

็How do Thai ancient people measure rainfall? What did they mean by a “shower”?

By RISC | 3 days ago

  Ever wondered how we measure rainfall? What about in the past? What did they mean by a “shower”?To measure rainfall you might think of trapping water in a standard receptacle. A bamboo tube or a pot could be unsuitable because they might not last or might have a different size in each region. That's why a monk's alms bowl was a popular choice in many areas, for its durability and standard design.The rainfall archives of Prince Pawaret Wariyalongkon record a “shower” of rain as filling an alms bowl. The author found that 1 full bowl is about 167-178 millimeters. Ways to measure rain are always developing. The alms bowl has been succeeded by udometers, used daily and hourly, and radar, with real-time rain tracking. We are still improving accuracy and efficiency to create automatic flood warning systems.Author/Editor: Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, RISC Reference: ปรีดี พิศภูมิวิถี. 2560. จดหมายเหตุบัญชีน้ำฝน: องค์ความรู้ด้านอุทกศาสตร์. วารสารมนุษยศาสตร์วิชาการ, ปีที่ 26, ฉบับที่ 1 (มกราคม-มิถุนายน 2562).  

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Electromagnetic waves: A secret close-to-home danger

"Eating vegetarian foods" is good more than we think.

Which kind of room is suitable for elderly?

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living Quality

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living with Nature

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Health & Safety

Slippery problems? Let's get to know R rating in flooring material

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Acoustical Design for Mental Health

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Lighting Quality

็How do Thai ancient people measure rainfall? What did they mean by a “shower”?

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All Articles

Electromagnetic waves: A secret close-to-home danger

"Eating vegetarian foods" is good more than we think.

Which kind of room is suitable for elderly?

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living Quality

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Living with Nature

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Health & Safety

Slippery problems? Let's get to know R rating in flooring material

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Acoustical Design for Mental Health

7 Design Aspects for Healthy Built-Environment: Lighting Quality

็How do Thai ancient people measure rainfall? What did they mean by a “shower”?​

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็How do Thai ancient people measure rainfall? What did they mean by a “shower”?