American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1880-01-03
CARE OF THE HEALTH.
Poor Health.

that scientific research has been only
able to guess at, but as yet does not
fully understand, and which no amount
of intelligence seems competent to avoid
or control. But there are very many
more causes of suffering that but for
negligence, willful ignorance or culpa-
bic carelessness would never have dis
turbed the system.
In the early stages of infancy there
are evils lying in wait which sensible
and well informed mothers by proper
degree of care have the power to avert;
or, if these troubles chance to make
slight inroads, they can be eradicated
entirely if promptly met at the begin
ming, while if such disturbances are suf-
fered to go on unheeded, as if of slight
consequence, they soon defy control.
Passing from infancy, mothers may
easily learn that many diseases and
weaknesses assail childhood which are
quite harmless if met at once with
watchful care, but if neglected they have
power to sadden the young life and
make mature years and old age intoler-
able. From the contagious diseases
through which children are expected to
pass, permanent evils-such as deaf
ness, weak eyes, perhaps total blindness,
or serious bronchial difficulties are
scarcely to be apprehended if those who
have the responsibility are quick to real
ize that each one of these assailants has
latent powers and waits only good
opening to take full possession and hold
this advantage mistaken by all efforts,
however energetic, if made too late.
Many of the ellis that flesh is heir to"
may also be traced to the reckless care
lessness of youth just far enough adj
vanced toward maturity to rebel at pa
rental restraints. Needless exposure,
unnecessary over-exertion, excess in
amusemen,s, unrestrained appetite or
inordinate eating must inevitably bring
their own punishment. There is no end
to the list of evils resulting in dwarfed
powers that come entirely through ig-
norance or willful disregard of natural
laws.
We do not design, nor do we feel
competent, to 60 into close description
of those errors which may have such
ruinous consequences, but simply to
glance at some of those small derelic-
tiOns usually considered too insignificant
to beget any serious consequences--only
duplicating the neatness of the culprit-
but which really often have disastrous
results. Imperfect sewerage, incom-
plete ventilation-as connected with the
building of houses and arranging the
grounds-with various other items are
continually brought into public notice
and held up as warnings. There are,
however, other acts of carelessness so
small as to be thought unworthy Of the
slightest notice, and yet they are full of
danger.
If persons will sleep in some portion
of the under-clothing that has been
worn through the day, and perhaps af-
ter mornings bath resume that same
garment, it may be accounted an untidy
habit; but how few viii see that it can
have any effect on the health. But re-
fleet a moment. Whether drenched with
perspiration from hard work or warm
weather, or only saturated with the
natural eXhalations that rise from the
body at all seasons, no one doubts that
it would be more clearly to remove all
articles of clothing worn through the
day, and hang them up to be thorough
ly aired, while other well ventilated gar
ments are put on at night; but
who advocates that course on
hygienic principles? Most par
TALLY understand that if there
are any Instructions by which these va
pors, or exhalations, cease to be thrown
off from the body, injury to the health
will follow; is it not therefore sensible
to suppose that if the garments which
receive and absorb them are kept on the
body these vapors will be again alb
sorbed, with poisonous results? But if
one is accustomed to complete change
the day and night garments, and
neatly folds and lays them in the ward
robe, closing doors and windows to ex-
clude dust and flies, or, as is often done,
put the night attire under the pillow of
the owner, hat has been done to pre-
vent injury to the healthP Nothing. Is
it any great trouble, on retiring, to
hang the garments, as they are put off,
one by one, where they will be thor
oughly dried and aired? 1t will not
take five minutes extra time. Leave
the party, the ball, or social converse by
the tireside five minutes earlier, if too
tired to attend to this duty properly.
And in the morning don't be late to
breakfast-that's bad; but even that
departure from good breeding is less
reprehensible than to throw the night
clothes in heap, leave the bed unaired
and the windows unopened. Rise five
minutes earlier if need be; hang up the
night-clothes where they will have the
full benefit of the pure, fresh air; raise
the windows; throw off the bedclothes,
hanging them loosely over chairs; put
the pillows in full range of the windows,
and pull the mattress over the foot
board, and 90 to breakfast with clear
conscience.
Do not be in too great haste to have
the bed made. Leave it and your night
clothes long enough for the sun to dry
off the morning dew that may have
dampened them. Hang the night-gar-
ments up in the closet, but never fold
them to be put under the pillows. By
strict observance of this method one
NAV be sure of sweet, healthful