Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1903-04-01
ecOrbutiC diseaI

scOrbutic disease. Smallpox is another. Smallpox
always RACES during the winter season when the
poor people are derived of fresh vegetable foods
Celery and onions are good for this purpose but
there is such long interval between their being
gathered and being eaten that they lose most Of
their anti scOrbutc properties. Lettuce is served
shortly after it is picked and hence contains the val
liable properties which will prevent smallpox.
We say without the least hesitation or reserve
that lettuce will prevent smallpox. 1t is thOus
and times better than vaccination. 1t has no liza
bilities like vaccination to produce other diseases
We are willing to stake our reputation the broad
statement that any one who eats lettuce daily will
not catch smallpox, whether he be vaccinated or
not.
We hope that ever reader who has confidence in
our statement will pass this along. We wish every
person to know that they have within reach q safe
and reliable remedy. The lighthouses where lettuce
is raised in the winter time are 80 numerous that
lettuce is placed within the reach of all. No one
need be deprived of lettuce simply because it is
winter.
Ten years ago it was impossible for the masses Of
the people to get lettuce during the winter months.
Now it is not only possible but very easy indeed.
Lettuce is an absolute specific as a preventative
OF smallpox. All fear of smallpox may vanish
when this simple precautiOn is taken. Should this
remedy to fail in any case we would be glad to
be notified. There has never been a failure up to
date and anxious TO know il one should occur
We have absolute confidence in lettuce as preventa-
tive OF disease and do not hesitate to assure any one
that there is no danger of aquTing smallpox long
the system is fortified against it by this natural
and potent preventative.
Another seemingly rational suggestion from the
same source on diet in diabetes and epilepsy is
worthy of consideration. Here it is: TO some peo-
pie diet means taking away food from a patient.
That is to say restrict the amount Of food or deny
them the food they crave. This is not the true
idea Oidiet. Diet is simply the supplying Of food
in such quantities and variety as meet the de-
mands of each case.
A good diet is one that furnishes everything nee-
essary to nourish the body, no more, no less. It
has been thought in times past that all cases Of
diabetes should be denied starchy and sugary foods
Hundreds Of patients have been starved because Of
this mistaken notion. The diabetic patient sh, y
be allowed Ohave any food he chooses On
count Ofthe abnormal appetite which these peOpA
have, some restriction might be necessary in the
amount OF food.
The same is true OF the diet OF epileptics It has
been thought by the medical profession necessary
to deny these unfortunate persons meat. All ami
NAL food has been kept away from them, and they
have been mercilessly starved, notwithstanding
their craving for meat.
Such mistakes occasion terrible suffering and in
stead Of helping the patient to get well they help the
disease. With rare EXCEPTIONS each patient should
be allowed to have what he wishes to eat. It is
only in those cases where there is clearly an alb
normal appetite that anything whatsoever should be
denied the patient. The cravings and promptings
Of the body are a surer guild Aan the theories and
notions Of the physician.
Those persons who have been taught to regard