Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-30
COLD BENEFITS,
Winter Weather Strengthens Heart
and Lungs.

cduSe IL stimulates the organs and all
the functions of the body; it uuickens
the heart to the greatest activity and
increases the number of red corpuscles
in the blood. Cold air also contains
more oxygen to the cubic inch than
does warm air. The volume of air is
reduced -five-hundredth part for
each degree of reduction in tempera
lure Oh 1Go degrees and winter day at
81 degrees. Even a moderately cold
i WINTER day marks Il difference of 70 de-
grees. so the air has been reduced
one-seventh of its volume, and in six
breaths of cold air one gets as much
oxygen as he would in seven breaths of
warm air. Hence the BODY takes in
| ne-seventh more oxygen in cold wea
ther IMAM in warm weather. This in
creased amount of oxygen taken info
| the body is matter of great conse-
queiice ms Is why one feels better
IN colo than in warm air. A brisk
Walk OH Il cold, crisp winter morning
creates splendid appetite for break
last' lor the same reason that the fire
purns prlshter on a cold winter night.
When the fire burns with n particularly
bright glow. people are wont to say:
winter IS coming. See how bright the
fire burns!" This is due to the in
creased amount of oxygen in the air.
The fire burns brighter and faster be-
cause 1t has one-seventh more fuel sup
piled.
So it is with the body-the vital fires
burn brighter in cold weather. The
whole tide of life moves with greater
activity. Cold air aids in the elimina-
ton of the poisonous matters which
are all the time forming within the
body. When oxygen is not plentiful
enough to make the vital fires burn
sufficiently to consume the fuel and
waste of the body. then much of the
waste material is left behind in the
form Of imperfectly burned substances.
which may be called cinders of the
body. Uric acid is cinders.
las the result of sedentary habits.
| there is rot sufficient oxygen taken into
the lungs. The lungs do not expand as
they ought to, so enough air is not TAX
en- in. Then the overheated air is di-
luted, and one must breathe seven
times TO get as much oxygen as he
would get in breathing six times out
of doors. and So breathing only i'm
perfectly and slowly, because he is not
active, the amount of oxygen taken into
the body is insufficient. One exercising
vigorously in the cold air out of doors
breathes more rapidly, obtains a larger
supply of oxygen, and the rubbish Of
the body-the uric acid cinders-is
burned UP, and the whole system is
kept clear.
This is why cold air is so beneficial
to nervous people. The oxygen in the
air burns up the poisons which irritate
the nerves, and the person is relieved.
When one is tired he gets rest quick
err by breathing fresh, cold air; be-
cause WEAKNESS and exhaustion are
due simply to an accumulation of
poisons and other waste matters gen.
Grated by work and retained in tine
body, and these are burned up by the
oxygen taken in through cold air.
The cold air cure is coming to be
recognized as the most effective for
invalids. At Davos, up among the
Alps mountains, there is an establish
ment for cold air treatment. Each
patient is expected to take a treatment
three times daily consisting in lying
outdoors from half an hour to an hour
according to his strength. Every one
is compelled to take the treatment
during the night also, for the windows
are never allowed to be closed in that
establishment, and yet the winters are
severe. But with plenty of warm COW
erings. and a hood over the head and
ears. the patients can bid defiance to
Jack Frost while they inhale the life
giving oxygen Of the cold, fresh air.
This institution is becoming world
famous for the cure of consumption.
Twenty years ago this disease was
considered incurable, but it is now re-
earded as one of the most durable of
chronic diseases when taken in the
early stage. Fully One-half of the
patients suffering with tuberculosis,
when placed in Out-of-door hospitals,
make a satisfactory recovery. 1t is
reasonable therefore, to suppose that
ii fresh cir will cure the disease, it is
likewise Il preventive of it.
Many people delude themselves into
The belief that ar accumulation of
garments will prevent their taking
cold. Artificial clothing is necessary,
but any more than is needed is
objectionable.
Out-ofdOOr exercise and fresh air
are most cffectual means, not only Of
creating an appetite. but Of encourag-
ing assimilation. Food may be taken
into the stomach without being taken
into the blood; and after it gets into
the blood, it may be circulated and yet
not be utilized by assimilation. Many
people say: Il have a good appetite.
eat heartily. but I don't gain in