The Litchfield County post., 1826-08-01
nN RuNNING.

.
 There are few general directions given by physicians which are so commonly mis-
 understood, and imperfectly followed, as
 the injunction to. take free exercise-to
 walk out daily, and to allow no state ofthe weather to interrupt the regularity of this
 exercise. 1t is not the mere Circumstance
 of walking which can give any vigour to
 the frame or strength to the digestive func-
 tions. Walking is the means of affecting
 a certain object, and this last it is that pro-
 mises the general benefits ofexercise. 1t
 is by this means we wish to quicken and
 invigorate the circulation, and give action
 to the functions of the skin-to give start to the blood and produce a general perspi-
 ration. These two purposes effected, the digestion is improved, the bowels kept in
 order, the equilibrium of the circulation preserved, the mind invigofated, and all the powers of the system Strengthened :- general health, therefore, is the cense- .quence, and without those efe fects of walk ing, the general healthy will decline.
 N Now in ntnety-nine cases in a hundred we speak far within bounds-=walkin is 90 conducted as not to give start to the blood or produce general precipitation. In jus; this proportion of cases, therefore, it is useless-nay worse than useless; it indu- ces fatigue and not vigour, and persons tell us they 1" dent see that exercise does them any good" Why, they don'ttake any ex- ercise. They draw one leg after another, it is true, and thus they do perhaps for half an hour, or until they can scarce draw it any longer. Bat this is not what physi- clans mean by U0!king. It is technical term when employed in prescription and lowed. By walking, we mean quick ac- tive exercise of the locomotive organs, con- tinued for some time, performed in open air, and so conducted as to induce gene- ral glow of moisture upon the surface. If persons would remember this, they would see how powerful an instrument is walking in the. preservation as well as the restora- ton of health. --
 We often see men looking pale and sick ly, carefully guarded from the air, creeping along our streets with a weak and tardyI step, and we always pity such men. They are undoubtedly following, as they think, the prescription oftheir physician, who has recommended walking. But they have misunderstood his meaning, and although they get by their walk the benefit of the air, they return languid and fatigued. Let such step as quickly as they can, let them make an exertion to walk as fast as their strength will allow, and if very weak, let them walk six rods instead of creeping half a mile and they will feel refreshed. Pers- piration is more readily induced in propor- tion to debility, and therefore all its bene- fits may be gained with comparative ease by the enfeebled.
 Asa general custom, loitering or walk ing slow IS injurious, inasmuch as it de- prives individuals of the privilege winch ought to be neg eglected by no one. It is a general custom in Europe for gentlemen to run through the streets. This is an ad- mirable custom, and most sincerely do we wish it could be adopted this side the At lantic. 1t has thousand advantages. ItI quickens and invigorates the circulation. IL enlivensthe mind, promotes healthful precipitation, and gratifes the impatience| which arises from the mental activi y it pro- duces. Not that we would have men al- wayssrenning through the streets. but let every man several times in the day, partic- ularly when in haste, run instead of walk, and he will be better able, in body and mind, to attend to his business, live long- CT, and enjoy life better.-lMedicalI Intelii- gencer.- .-