The record-union., 1895-06-01
EXCEssEs IN CYCLING.

In the present rush TO cycling as an ex-
ercise and for business uses, 1t is we'll to
pause and inquire wherein, If at all, there
are dangers in it. That there are dangers
Is undoubted, but it is true that all or
nearly all of them may be avoided by
moderation. Cycling must be treated as
is any other luxury, with avoidance Of
excess. 1t must be treated as is any
other economic device without over
strain. Admitting the dangers in the
use of the bicycle, even after all is
granted that can be possibly said for the
beneficial character of the exercise and
the outdoor life to which it invites. what
precautions shall be observed? The
chief danger relates to the heart, and this
DIR. w. B. Richardson has pointed out,
and he receives Endorsement in the Popu-
Tar Science Monthly. Cycling, says he.
tells primarily and distinctly upon the
heart. producing quickened circula-
ton. though the subject may not be con-
scious of it. 1t is this fact that enables
the skilled cyclist to take long journeys
and to do with less sleep than most peo-
pie. DR.. Richardson says:
Although the heart increases in action and
sometimes undergoes enlargement the au-
thor has never seen q rider EN- barraSsed by
angina or vertigo, so to oblige him 10 dis
mount Indeed lie had known Il pract1ced
rider who could climb q hill on his machine,
but could not mount a flight OF stairs on his
feet without breathlessness and silSht pal
pitation; he had never seen a sudden death
from cycling. He had met with instances IN
which, after several years OF cycling, there
was evidence of heart disease, with general
languor and inability to sustain fatigue if
exercise were again tried ON the machine;
and, on the other hand, he had known ex-
amples in which even an octogenarian had
kept UP the exercise in a moderate degree ap-
parently with benefit to the circulation.
He goes on to say that he has seen ben
efits flow from cycling even where there
was Indication Of some disease affecting
the circulation, and had known it to do
good in some cases of fatty degeneration,
varicose veins and conditions of anama.
In other cases cycling is definite cause
with moderation is recommended to per-
sons with healthy hearts, and he does not
wholly forbid it in cases Of heart disease,
and it may be useful in some cases of
feeble heart action and whore fatty~e-
generation threatens.
But the doctor adds these facts, that
severe cycling ultimately increases the
size of the heart and renders it irritable
and representative to motion. Over de-
velopment of the heart affects ar
terial residence, modifies the natural
blood pressure, and favors degener-
alive structural changes in the organs of
the body generally
that in persons of timid and nervous natures
the fear incidental to cycling is often creative
of disturbance and paipitation of the heart,
and should be taken account OF; that, IN Civ
ing advice, it is often more important to con-
slider the peripheral conditions of the circula-
ton than the central; That yenOus- enlarge
ment is often rather benefited than injured by
cy cling, and that straining to climb hills and
meet headwinds, excessive fatigue and alco-
hollc stimulants should be avoided and the
proper number of meals of light suitably
selected food should not be neglected.
From all which we conclude, and COM
mon sense as we'll advises, that severe
cycling is to be avoided; that there is no
need for exhaustive exercise and no BEN
eft from it in cycling; that if one is not
certain about the normal action of his
heart he should take medical advice be-
fore engaging in the cycling exercise. and
that where there is any arrangement of
the circulation, cycling should be en-
gagged in along with treatment and advice
by ones physician.
Unquestionably there is disposition,
especially among the young, to go to ex-
tremes in the use of the bicycle, to make
it the instrument for contribution to the
exaltation of feetness winch swift motion
always stimulates. Also there is o
dangerous disposition to undertake long
rides, and to indulge in too long con-
tinued exertion on the bicycle. In the
use of this modern device for locomotion
let us. therefore, while generous in exer-
else, be discreet also, and 60 to no ex-
cessss whatever, simply because we dis
cover present ability to endure, for it
may not remain with us long.