Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-31

| their readiest victims, for their systems are
| then in a condition that urgently invites
their attacks. Take pneumonia, for in
stance.
Tho Causes OF Colds
late been much discussed by physicians,
among whom there is still diversity of
opinion. A score of years ago they were
wont to attribute them solely to sudden
changes in the weather-with a rapid fall in
temperature-to exposure to draughts, cold
and damp, especially while the body was
overheated. Facts, however, accumulated
that seemed to indicate that these were not
the real causes, but were simply what are
termed predisposing causes; or, in other
words, were influences that increased the
liability to 'colds, but did not actually e1-
cite them.
One such fact was brought out by explor-
ers in the Arctic regions. The Greeley
party, for instance, encountered the most
terrible hardships that the weather can i'm
pose, and yet it is authoritatively stated
that ''colds" never occurred among its
members, nor was there a single case of
fever, pneumonia, bronchitis or other acute
disease that is generally supposed to be
facts have led many physicians to believe
that the true cause of "colds" exists within,
not outside of, the body, and unless the
same is present, exposure to inclement
weather, ETC., is not likely to be followed
by such unpleasant results. In some re-
spects the body resembles a furnace. It
must have fuel, and it must be kept free
from ashes, otherwise the fire within will
burn low or go out altogether.
We Are Poor Firemen.
It Is q notorious fact that the majority of
mankind take in too much fuel in the form
of food, and companion fact is that they
allow the "ashes" to accumulate. These
are made up not only of refuse food that
the system does not need and cannot assim-
ilate, but out of minute dead particles of
organic matter, the products of tissue and
other changes and vital processes that are
constantly going on within the body. There
are number of avenues for the expulsion
of these waste matters. The lungs supply
the draughts to the inward combustion and
carry off carbonic acid and watery vapor,
or, as 1t were, the gas and smoke from the
fire. Equally as important parts of this
sewerage system are the bowels and kid
neys; and the skin and liver have also
goodly share in the indispensable clearing
out of the body. They receive the waste
directly from the blood, and should any of
them stop in their work it must soon be-
come loaded with impurities and poisoned
bv its own decay.
The signs indicate that these waste mat
ters play an important part in the causation
of colds. When a person becomes chilled
blood in unusual quantity is driven to ''the
weakest part, carrying with it its waste
that might have been thrown out but for
the chill. How much of the trouble that
follows is due to the 'rush of blood and
how much to its impurities is not known,
but there is reason for believing that the
latter deserves large share of the blame.
Efficient Means of Prevention.
This theory has much to support it. Men
who labor hard with their hands and are
long in the open air seldom take cold, no
matter how inclement the weather to which
they are exposed, doubtless for the reason
that they keep the body we'll freed from
waste. Exercise in pure air is their meas
ure of prevention. and it is the most efficient
of all. In fact it is termed by physicians
the 'sgrand eliminator OF waste"
Exercise acts favorably in many ways; it
quickens circulation and the action of the
lungs, also stimulates all other important
organs to do more and better work. Hence,
for those who take cold easily, brisk walk |
of several miles every day, or other active |
exercise out of doors, is the first measure of |
prevention to be applied. They who are
given to overeating should bear in mind the |
fact that one penalty of this fault is a ehok- |
ing up of the system with waste. 1t fol- |
lows, therefore, that it increases the lia- |
bility to "cold." 1t is scarcely necessary to |
urge that cleanliness of the skin is another |
important essential IN the way of preven-
tion.
Ladies especially often fail in the matter
of clothing, and as a rule their undergar- |
ments are much too thin. The specious |
reasons advanced for this need not be dwelt |
upon. Woolen next to the skin should be
the invariable rule in winter. Many pre-
fer silk, but for cold weather it is clearly
If woolen causes irritation
of the skin then the innermost garments
may be of silk or cotton, but these should
be covered by thin set of wooden gar
ments. The stockings should be of like
material, and thick enough to afford ample
protection. Unless the boots are large and
roomv and have thick soles cold feet are in
evitable, and this is one of the most potent
causes not only of "colds" but
of many ailments peculiar to women.
Dressing the Neck and Head.
Faults in the neckwear are also common
among ladies. in consequence of which they
are easy victims to "colds in the head"
sore throats and bronchial attacks. Uni
formitv in such wraps should be observed
throughout cold weather, for even trihing
changes made on mild days are hazardous.
In the matter of bonnets and hats worn by
ladies', there is much deserving of severe
criticism, but for every apparent reason it
would be well nigh purposeless. One
ruth, at least, should be impressed upon
;he gentle sex, namely, that when hoods or
,ther comfortable coverings become fashion,
,ble for winter wear, there will be much
ess neuralgia and far fewer other infrmi-
lies due to exposure than now.
As soon as the first symptoms of cold in
he head are detected hot full bath, or at
east foot bath should be taken by the
patient on going to bed. A laxative the
following morning will afford considerable
.elief by diverting the blood from the head
% the abdomen. 1t matters little the form
If the remedy, provided it acts quickly and
reely. Seidletz powders and "Hunyadi
water" are among the popular and efficient
axatives Contrary to the general belief
hat one should "stuff q cold," the diet