Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1891-12-22
CLIMATE AND HEALTH.

To the Editor OF the New Mexican.

To the Editor of the New Mexican
The subject Of Climate and health is
being so much discussed at this writing
by the modern man and physician, that
| propose to bring to light some OF the
opinions and writings OF eminent physi-
clans of by gone days on the subject, in
connection with personal observations
carefully noted in my "New Mexico"
published in 1874, from which ] shall
quote, and in addition give some details
of personal observations in tie past sew
enteen years-altogether covering a period
of fortV-one years since | came to New
Mexico.
The mildness, excellence and remarka-
BILE salubritv of the climate Of New Mexico
has become proverbal. The drvness and
purity of the atmosphere all over the ter
ritory, aud especially in the valleys, has
induced many invalids afflicted with
pulmonary and other diseases to test its
virtues with great benefit to them, and a
prolongatiOn OF their lives.
Prior to 1874, DR.. Lew Kennon, at one
time connected with the U. ). army, a
close observer, who had up to that time
practiced nearly twenty years in the ter
ritorv and who was one of the leading
physician in those days, wrote while
stationed in Santa Fe 0s follows: at is
certain that even when the lungs were ir-
reparably diseased, very much benefit
has resulted. Invalds have come here
with the system falling into tubercuar ruin
and their lives have been astonishingly
prolonged by the dry, bracing atmosphere.
The most amazing results, how ever, are
produced in war1ing off the approach of
phthiss, and am sure there are but few
cases, which If sent here before the
maady is well pronounced, would fail to
be arrested Where hardening has &C.
Cured or even considerable cavities been
established, relief altogether astonishing
takes place. The lowest death rate from
tubercular disease in America Is in New
Mexico.
The censuses of 1860 and 1870 give 25
per cent in New England, IA in Mime
sofa from 5 to 6 in different southern
states and per cent in New Mexico.
have never known case of bronchitis
brought here that was not vastly i'm
proved or altogether cured, and asthma
as well. The most astonishing effects Of
this climate is seen in those cases Of
general debility of all the functions Of
body and mind-that used up condition
the pestilent nuisance of physicians in the
great cities, people come here i'll sort o.
debacle, having little hope Of living, anC
often little desire to, and the relief Is sc
quick as to seem miraculous.
This country being far distant from
either ocean, it is utterly free from al
causes of disease. The atmosphere il
almost as dry as that of Egypt. The win
tiers are so mild that there are not ter
days of the winter months an invalid car
not take exercise in the open air. The
summers are so cool and delightful that {
blanket covering is comfortable at night
when the sleeping apartment is properly
ventilated. The summer days in the
lower valleys are sometimes quite warm
but as the dry atmosphere rapidly absorbs
the perspiration of the body, it prevents
the facilitating effect experienced where
the air is heavier and more saturated with
n DISTURB"
Dr. f. V. HAYDEN, also close observer
and reliable authority, says in his report
of 1870: "There is perhaps no healthier
section of country to be found ia the
United States than that in New Mexico
In fact think | am justified in saying
that this area includes the healthiest por.
ton of the Union. There is no better
place of resort for those suffering with
pulmonary complaints than New Mexico.
1t is time for the health seekers of our
country to learn and appreciate the fact
that within our own bounds are to be
found all the elements of health that can
possibly be obtained by tour to the
eastern continent, or any other part OF
the world, and that in addition to the in
| MIGRATING pure air, is scenery as wild,
grand, magnificent aud varied as anv
found amid the Alpine heights of Switzer-
land"
Sleeping with doors and windows open
or in the open air may be- practiced with
out risk OF taking cold. The atmosphere
being full OF electricity it is wonderfully
exhierating, and never burdened by ma
| larious or poisonous exhaations. The
asthmatic or consumptive invalid may sit
olt of doors, ride or walk in the sunshine
800 days or more IN the year, with pleas
ure and comfort, and will always enjoy
refreshing sleep at night, thus securing
the most essential condition for the restor-
alton OF q shattered, nervous system and
broken constitution. Free and full breath
ing of pure air is the most important for a
sufferer from diseases of the lungs. Make
such person breathe, and he will live
whatever makes him breathe faster, makes
his blood flow more rapidly and be better
aerated. Persons shut out from the light
of the sun are most disposed to consump-
ton. For such daily sunshine is life
itself. New Mexico has more sunny days
than any other region of the United States.
probably more than any other place and
the invalid here can not but enjoy the
benefit, unless be purposely excludes
himself from it. DR.. Charb ers, the en-
/ inent English physician says: "In choos-
ing home for your consumptives do not
mind the thermometer or it's variations !;
do not be scientific at all, but find out by
somebody's journal how many days were
fine enough to 20 out forenoon and after
noon; that is the test you require; and by
that you may be confidently guided"
III New Mexico there is no rank vegeta-
ton saturated with moisture, and con-
stantly undergoing decomposition, vege.
tation dries up, cures III the stem or
stock just as the grama grass cures into
nutritious hay on the plains and mesas,
and upon which animals winter and
thrive az if given to them in the barn
yard. Meat hung up in the open air and
sun without salt or preparation cures and
preserves indefinitely. Such air when
inh hailed piyas O stjmnlus and vital forcn
and is proof of pure atmosphere. Many
cases OF cures might be cited, but this
communication will not allow it. Many