The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-07-22
Tbs 9uusebuIo.
Summer Maladies.

If the householder could only bear
in mind the truth that to prevent is
better than to heal, very many of her
cares would be lightened. And what
is far more important, many bitter re-
grets would be avoided. The summer,
with its warmth and sunshine, is at
tended by dangers that are unknown at
other seasons, and the laws of health
must be absolutely obeyed if we would
escape them. The first rule of the
family should be absolute and universal
cleanliness of person, house and sur
roundings. The first rays of the sun in
the morning should be welcomed, for
an hour or two of fresh air and light at
the beginning of the day will be as
wholesome as an angels benediction.
Sunlight is potent destroyer of ali evil
germs that float about unseen, and breed
disease and death. Many careful house.
wives close the windows during the day
to keep out flies and dirt, little dream
ing that they shut in enemies far more
deadly. always sleep in rooms that
have been ventilated through the
day. is the first of three rules of
health given by great physician, and
experience shows its value. To give
proper circulation of air at night, the
windows should be slightly open both
at top and bottom, thus avoiding direct
draught. An open fireplace is a good
ventilator, and wide-open window
with screen in front is equally useful.
Elderly people and invalids must avoid
draughts, and yet the bed should be ar
ranged so that all the fresh air that can
be obtained shall come to them with
healing. AT this time of the year,
when changes of temperature are so
sudden and frequent, the clothing
should be changed accordingly. Many
object to these precautions, and sheer
at them as uotional;" but it pays to
watch all these little points, and to
change ones clothing every hour,
rather than have fit of illness from
neglect. 1t is better to be too warmly
than too thinly clad in summer. Those
who are at all delicate will derive great
benefit from wearing broad band of
flannel about the abdomen. This one
precaution has saved many lives, the
sudden chill that follows the close of a
sultry day being thereby averted. More
than half the ills of summertime come
44OLh SACCoo III GdIluS, vi lTOLu eating
food unsuited to the season. Heavy.
rich meals are unwise at any time, and
especially when the system is weakened
by the heat, A too strict limitation of
food is not wise, because the body
needs strength; but let everything be
carefully prepared, and of the most
nourishing quality. A high authority
on hygiene gives this advice: "Live
upon cereals, vegetables and fruits,
with due amount of delicate meat and
fish" Those who are in good health,
and who habitually live wisely and
prudently, need make no change in
their habits because of the warm
weather, or through fear OF an cpl
demic. Statistics prove that the
dread of disease often develops it, be-
cause the mind to so great an extent
controls the body. Let us live from
day to day so that we need fear no
sudden evil. Regular habits of eating
and sleeping and clothing and exercise,
both work and play, will secure for US
that peace of mind that enables us to
bear life's burdens with ease.-NelD
York Observer.