The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1855-11-30
EXERCISE IN PULMONARY Dis


EASES.
The Medical Specialist in IN article upon
the "Value of Exercise in Pulmonary Dis
cases." says:
Every invalid should take regular and
proper exercise. Now, what Is proper eXer-
else! Proper exercise is that physical eXer'ion
which calls into use the greatest NUMBER OF
muscles, and to that amount which the body
can bear ,ciihom fatigue. A walk OF quarter
of A mile in disease may be equal TO thirty
miles in health. Exercise must, therefore, be
appOrtioned in quantity and in kind to the
nature of the disease and the strength OF the
patient
In cold, rheumatism, dyspepsia, constipa.
ton, liver discase--by which, we mean II tor
pd and irregular acknowledging ten, fifteen,
or even twenty miles Il day udciously in
creased from the less to the greatrr-is bet.
ter than any physic. Those suffering from
these diseases may ramble on foot over the
globe-clinb to the top of the highest noun
tains, and hunt the chamois on the rugged
AIps-not only without injury, but deriving
health ut every step.
Exercise hastens the rapdity of the changes
Of NATTER and rouscs up the vital energies of
every organ-increasng the flow of saiirm,
promoting the appetite, aiding digestion, and
improving the circulation; while under its
influence the skin, the boioels, and the kidneys,
take up their appointed functions, unaidcd by
the "bran" of the Grahamite, or the com.
pounds of the physician.
But in consumption, and those diseases
affecting the breath, ms of the heart, asthma,
&c, all this is changed Exercise is equally
necessary, but il must be of very different
character 1t must be gentle, regular, never
amount TO fatigue, and always upon Il level
surface. Active and prolonged exertion is
not only hurtful but dangerous. 1t excics
the heart to violent action, increases the fire.
quency of the pulse, promotes congestion of
the lungs, increases irritation, and endangers
hnmorrhage. The consumptvo should never
put himself out of breath on any account nor
should he return home from his OK, rcise rs
from n toil--eXhaustcd, instead Of being re-
freshed If he does this he suffers more
injury than he derives benefit from it. The
kind Of exercise, us before remarked, must be
determined by the nature Of the disease, and
the state Of the strength In the early stages
of consumption, while the body yet retains
nearly its usual vigor, walking is the best
exercise. 1t should be commenced moderately
at first, and then gradually increased, rs the
muscles become hardened and strengthened
by it.
There is one point which the invalid will
do well to remember, and that is, never to
ascend hill or stairs, under any circum-
stances, when possible to avoid it. When we
do this, we not only move the body forward,
but carry it; ard it would be as easy for us
to carry an additional weight, equal to the
weight of the body on n level, us to carry
ourselves upstairs. All consumptives know,
from experience, how it exlausts their
strength and puts them out Of breath. Horse
back exercise is equally beneficial, and in
those cases where the invalid IS enicrbed by
the disease and very "shon Of Jreath,' it is
better than walking, rs giving less fatigue
and enabling longer duration of exercise in
the open air. A gentle horse should be Sc |
lected, and, if possible. one that has pleasant
and easy gait.
When too weak to walk, or to sit on horse
back, a ride of a few miles, in an easy carriage,
every morning and evening, should be taken
as substitute.