The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-04-22

FOR THE PORTLAND GAZETTE.
ON BATHING.

FOR THE PORTLAND GAZETTE.
ON BATHING.
Every thing which relates 10 health is interesting and
we hope the remarks which are about to be offered up
on the subject of Bathing, which in 50 remarkable
degree contributes the improvement of health and
the prevention Of disease. will not Be unworthy Of pHb
lie attention The subject is interesting to the aged
and to the young-to the valetudnaran and the man
of health-to the male and the female. AL indeed
may find il a Of pleasure and delight, well
means of preserving the choicest Of blessings,
without which life is not worth possessing.
Bathing, hitherto, has been common as we
could wish, and its principles and practice have either
been we'll understood. or else neglected Tld mis-
applied We shall therefore enumerate the most i'm
portant variety Of Baths, and make SUCK observations
may enable those who employ them, either for
health pleasure, do it without the hazard of in
juring their health destroying their lives.
]. Cold Bath. This possesses the ordinary temper
allure of the atmosphere, and generally varies from
800 to $50 ofFahenheits thermometer. II lis the most
easily procured and in the season in this eli
mate. most generally adopted. 1t is important howev
err that individuals should be particular in using this
bathas often happens from njudcious ndalgenc
severe, and sometimes fatal effects produced. Per
should never enter the water. unless degree
Of perspirstion exists upon the surface Of The body
and it is very perncious error that those who have
been made warm by exercise, should cool themselves
before entering the bath. DR.. CuIrie observes, that
persons heated nd begina ing sweat often think it
necessary to wait on the edge Of the bath ill they are
perfectly cooled; and then punging into the water
f,oI a..
In such the injury is imputed going into the
water too warm when in truth il arises from going Ia
too cold. But though it be perfectly safe 80 into
the cold bath in the early stages Of exercise, nothing
is dangerous than this practice, after exercise has
produced profuse sweating and terminated in languor
and fatigue because in these circumstances the heat
is not only sinking rapidly, but the system parts more
easily with the portion that remains"
Il is well battle early in the morning, late an
the evening. The best time, perhaps, is about tsso
hours Gefore dinner. We should battle directly
after taking meal. nor on the contrary, when tie
stomach is empty. For want of this last precaution
The writer Of these observations, few years since
was il iminent danger Of losing bis life. It viii Re
sufficient take little food OF umbler Of water,
just before bathing in order preserve the stomach
against the effects, which too sudden impression is
likely 10 produce. Recently, when going to battle in
the sea- have been in the habit Of drinking glass or
two Of seawaer just before bathing with obvious ben
eft We shosd remain but a short time in the water
| and one single sudden immersion, remaining under
the water two or three minutes preferable to repeat
| ed plunges- especially in fresh water When sea wa
is used may remain longer to receive its good
efects-employing friction for time upon the sur
| face Of the body Two three baths week are
sufficient How often do see boys, who might well
he called Gn1bbi6ious enter the water two or TIRES
times daily and contnu for hours the expense Of
their health Parents should attend to this subject on
leaving the BATH the skin should be wiped dry with
coarse towel and exercise should follow, till the sys-
| TEN becomes agreeaby warm.
The following rules, then, are TO direct our prac-
tice.
L. Never enter the bath, unless the body is agreea-
bly, warm OF a perspiration upon the surface
q Battle 10 the former part of the day or late IN the
evening.
| 3. Never battle directly after full meal while
the stomach is empty.
| a. Remain in the water but few minutes, and IN
| fresh water never take but single immersion.
| g. Two or three times wesk is as often al one
ought 70 lathe.