Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1898-02-10
BATHING.
The Use of Hot Water and Its Relatio,
to Health.

The Use of Hot Water and Its Relatio,
to Health.
If we have the authority of Scrip
ture for the statement that cleanli-
ness is next to goodness, and if god
Illness is means to health, happi-
ness, prosperity, long life and final
salvation, we can readily understand
the sentiment of the philosopher
who uttered those true and compre-
hensive words. Cleanliness in its
broadcast sense means much more
than the state produced by the free
use of soap and water. In point of
fact, soap and water, however Law
ishly used, may not constitute a
genuine bath. Many persons rarely
If ever get more than what the back
country woman calls "cat washes"
or the lick and the promise that
many busy house mother fire.
quently gives to her children. The
surface of the body is covered with
numberless pores that are in as
urgent need of clearing out as are
all other repositories for foreign
matter. Whether it be the dust of
the street, the smoke and CRIME Of
shop OF factory, the impalpable
powder that is ground by restless
feet out of carpets, mattings and
wood floors, or the imperceptible
dust of the atmosphere, matters lit
tie. The pores of the skin are filled
with material that must be removed
in some way if one would enjoy
good health. To attempt to clear
out these little cells by the use of
soap and cold water is hopeless
undertaking.
The cleansing process must come
from within, and this can only be
accomplished by starting the per-
spiration, which, accommodating in
the tiny ducts back of the pores,
force out the dust collected there.
In view of the fact that cold has a
tendency to close the pores, it is diff
fcult to understand why some emf
nent authorities advocate only cold
baths and seem incapable of giving
any credit to the use of hot water.
Of course there are differences in
temperament, constitution and con
dition, and most persons who have
reached years OF discretion have
been compelled to admit the truth
of the adage, "What is one man s
meat is another mans poison. :"
There are undoubtedly many people
who are greatly benefited by the use
Of cold water-indeed, no one ques-
lions its value as remedial agent.
But as bath agent and cleanser it
is most valuable when used after
hot water. The Turkish bath is the
ideal means for cleansing not only
the outer covering of the body, but
also the entire system. There are
many diseases that are greatly re-
lieved OF entirely cured by inducing
profuse perspiration.
Scientists tell us that it is an easy
matter for the experienced bacte.
biologists to diagnose case by ex-
aiming the perspiration. The dis
ease germs pour out of the skin and
are by the expert as readily recog-
nized as any other living creatures.
For perfect health and the very best
hygienic conditions bath as hot as
can be taken with comfort should be
INDUCED in at least twice a week.
Plenty of fine toilet soap and a sec
ton of Turkish toweling or, what is
much better, piece of japanese
gourd, should be used freely. These
gourds which are fibrous and
spongy, are sold at the druggists
andhare the best Wash rags in exist
ence. The individual should remain
in the hot bath until the sensa-
ton of being completely cooked
through" is experienced. The first
Indication Of the time to stop comes
in the shape of a fullness and beat.
ing in the throat. AS soon as this is
felt open the outlet in the bathtuh
and turn on cold water through a
pipe attached to a sprinkler. Use
this shower bath until the surface
of skin is comfortably cool and 1e.
action takes place. Then wrap the
entire body in thick bath robe and
take half an hours sleepif possible.
The slumbe1 which follows such
treatment is most refreshing. Those
who have studied bathing for many
years acknowledge that this is I'm.
questionably the best method OF
bathing. -New York Ledger.
His idea of 1t.