The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-12-14
COLD WATER AND HEALTH.
immense Importance of 1t ne q kennedy
md n Preventive.

and n preventive
One of the most interesting ueNel-
,pments in modern medical science is
be certain proof OF the immense ln-
,ortance of cold water to health, Dotli
IS a remedy for and a prevention OF
disease.
But cold wateG should not be ron-
| founded with ice water. that is almost
as disastrous to stomach, heart Il
liver as a liquor or drug habit. Cold
water means the temperature OF spring
water of an October morning, just
crisp freshness about it, but no
shock. For drinking purposes water
should be cooled in an icebo1, just bot
tied or canned, but never with ice IN
it, which is unhygienic as well as un-
aesthetic.
Physicians declare that very few
Americans drink enough water; that
the bad digestions. bad compilations,
bad nerves of our city and town peo-
pie are largely due to the result OF not
drinking sufficient cold water.
The system demands its full allow
ance of clear, cool, natural fluid in Or
der to do it's work properly. and break
fast. coffee, luncheon chocolate and
dinner cocktails are not only a bad
substitute, but worse than none.
When the body is thirsty it is calling
for water; at least half a pint before
breakfast, another before going to
bed and three half pints during the
day, preferably not at meals.
1t is an excellent plan every morn
ing and night before drinking the wa
ter, to rinse the mouth with a solution
of warm water and borax. Just a pinch
of powder in half a tumbler Of water.
1t gives the water a leliciously fresh
taste, besides sweetening the mouth.
hardening the gums and cleansing the
teeth.
A course of this cold water treatment
is worth trying, if just for sake OF
hearty appetite and rosy cheeks.
To get the best value Of your effort
you should accompany the cold water
drinking with a daily morning cold
bath.
The bath should be taken before the
drink, so that there is not the faintes1
chance of arresting even the simple
process of digesting water. A cold
bath is only a success with an empty
stomach.
While the water is running in the
tub prepare for the slight shock of the
first plunge by taking long breaths a
an open window. Wrapped in a WOO
bath gown, there will be no danger OF
catching cold, and two or three min
utes long, slow inhaling and exhalins
fresh air will start the circulation sc
that there is no hesitation about a colo
water bath, rather a sense Of enjoy
ment Of it. But if at the very star
you should still be at all sensitive t.
the straight cold plunge, stand at the
edge of the tub, lean over, and dasf
cold water over the face, arms, neck
chest and throat. Dry thoroughly will
a crash towel, and plunge IN, first one
leg and then the other.
After q week of this sort of temper
iZing you will be able to take thu
straight plunge. That is, Of course. i
the room is warm. A cold bath in {
cold room may be fine heroism fo'
athletic boys, but is more than likel!
to prove dangerous to the average wo
man who has not much power Of reac
ton.
The daily tepid bath usually takel
by women in winter may be Luxurious
and cleansing, but it IS no substitute
for the health giving power of the colo
water. It's the sting of the cold tina
starts the blood coursing through lung!
and heart, that warns the hands ant
feet and sends a fine color to thu
cheeks. A cold bath should be take1
quickly, always followed by a crasf
towel rub and always in soft water.
Much Of the value of the cold bath j!
lost if the water is hard, the pores arr
clogged rather than opened; it is i'm
possible to dry the skin quickly, and j
is left with a clammy sensation that j
depressing. 1t also makes SENSITIVE
skin rough. and so coarsens it.
Where rain water can be had nothin;
is better. 1t is an emolient as we'll a
a stimulant to the cuticle, but in tow
and city the water supply is artificial
and it is the exception to find it soft.
Fortunately, hard water is not an il
reyocable misfortune. The worst min
eral water can be softenel with purt
borax. Two tablespoonfuls of pur
borax will soften the tub of water t.
the mellowness of rain water. And il
addition to its beneficial effects in III,
water it has medicinal properties tina
actually stimulate the action Of tn
skin, and whiten it.
In fact, there is no simpler. more eco
nomical, really enjoyable way of keep
ing or improving ones health than thi
daily conscientious use Of cold water
1t will actually cure purely nervous in
digestion, is the best modern antidot
for hysteria. and is the finest homes
cosmetic in the world.