The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1888-01-28
DURING CONvALESCENCE.
Hints on Necessary Safeguards, Change OF
Air and Nutritious Food.


Ii would be well for those who have
the care Of any one during the state u
convalescence from severe illness, %
treat their patient if he were nerv AS
and growing youth. The weakened
tissues of both nervous and muscular
matter are undergoing repair. and this
is analogous TO growth. In the ordi-
nary state Of health man does not
require food 10 build up his frame, so
TO speak, but simply to repair the waste
that is constantly taking place in work.
or even in thought. After sickness it
Is different. The appetite is sometimes
almost voracious, but it should be
remembered that the slightest over
indulgence is most dangerous. Little
and often must be the rule as regards
eating, and while the dishes are tempt
ing and appetizing, they should DO
most nutritious, and at the same time
easy of digestion. Frequent changes
should be made. too.
AT first solid food will be injudicious,
but gradually rs the health and
strength return they should be resorted
10, and will be found far more staying
and invigoratng than spoon foods.
The hours for meals should be regular.
need hardly add that excessive indul-
gence in stimuants may induce ire
parable mischief. The doctor must
also prescribe the tonic. 1t should not
be forgotten that touics taken without
judgment may do much harm. The
safest are quinine and iron, in small
doses, and cod-liyer oil.
The patient must be safeguarded
from cold and damp, but this does not
mean that he is TO be kept in the house;
quite the reverse, and the more hours
spent out of doors in the sunshine, the
more speedy and perfect will his return
to health be; only he is to wear warm
under-clothing and warm but not
heavy over-clothing as well.
A patient during convalescence may
sometimes be pecvish and discontented.
This is by no means good sign. and
every care should be taken to keep his
mind contented aud easy. Amnsemcnt
greatly tends to hasten the coming OF
health. Outdoor exercise should be
commenced early, but it must be Of
the gentle kind at frst-riding in a
bath-chair or pony-carriage, for exam
pie. or little walks on level ground
sauntering in fact.
If ho can afford it, he ought to seek
for change of climate. The place
chosen should not be of an cXcitingly-
bracing character, and if by the sea-
side SO much the better OF course he
will not start until able to bear tho
journey. or relapse might be the con-
sequence. A really good quiet hotel is
better than lodging-house. 1t must
be an hotel. however, where the cook
ing is as near To perfection as can be
expected.
Next in Importance TO nutritious and
well-cooked food is sleep Sleep is
certainly Natures sweet restorer to the
convalescent He ought to have long
hours, and il will he well if supper i,
not taken within two hours of retiring.
A nap on the sofa or easy-chair after
dinner will also be most refreshing.
The exercise taken in the open air will
usually be found TO bc the best narcotic;
at any rate he is not to resort to the
use of slcep-producers, which he would
only do at the greatest risk.
The sea bath is very great rcstora-
tive and there are many ways of using
il. At first. and while the patient is
still far frow strong, the warm sea-
water bath about three hours after
breakfast will be best. At most sea-
side places there are establishments
whore these can be had. If not they
can be taken in the bedroom.
The c0nvaleScept should not sthe in
the sea before breakfast. and when he
is strong enough to take the invigor-
ating dip he should stop but very
short time in the water. and rub HIM
self thoroughly dry with rough towels
when he comes out; then dress slowly
and 60 home. IL drowsiness super
vcnes. let him take a nap 10y all means
on his return. BY degrees. rs strength
is acquired, the usual occupations of
life may once more be taken up, and
this, so far fOm being injurious to the
convalesccnL will in reality complete
his cure.--famay Doctor. in CdSSoWs