The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1905-12-01
zS2
Home Health
Club
BY DAVID b. REEDER. p. D.. N.n
La Porte, Ind.
MALARIA-AGUE.

In series Of articles previously pub
lshed, I gave full description and d.
rections for the successful treatment of
all kinds of fevers, including malarial
fever, but there has been a great de-
mand this summer for more upon the
subject of malaria, or ague, as it is
popularity called.
If l were to go into detailed or
technical description Of the sickness
called ague, would use up all of the
space that is allotted to me, and you
would receive no practical information.
I think you are able to recognize the
disease. Formerly it was supposed
that ague was caused solely by damp,
marshy lands and damp cellars, be-
cause of it's being more prevalent in
such places, but it has, during recent
years, been quite conclusively demon
strated that the cause originates in the
bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes,
and that one may, with perfect safety
and freedom from malaria, sleep for
months in the open air of the worst
kinds of swampy places, if fully pro-
tected from the bites of mosquitoes.
Recent research also demonstrated that
this knowledge was common property
over 1000 years ago, and that several
hundred kinds of mosquitoes were
known and classified. Now, while I
am convinced that the bite of the poi
sonous insect is the cause do not
believe that person in perfect health
would suffer- and, in fact, experience
proves that many people are immune,
although exposed to the same cause.
Our lesson is, therefore, keep the
blood pure and the alimentary canal
free from impurities. The right kind
of food in the right quantities and
property eaten, with sanitary sur
roundings is the safeguard which must
be used for prevention.
First, gooN, wholesome food that is
not difficult to digest; second, not to
overeat; third, to masticate all food
very thoroughly; fourth, no liquids
while eating; fifth, an abundance of
pure water between meals and on
arising in the morning; sixth, good
warm bath, with plenty of soap and
water at least twice a week; seventh,
perfect emptying of the colon at least
once daily. This is very important
point in the prevention of successful
home treatment of ague. The disease
is much more likely to be fastened to
one whose colon is filled with stagnant
and lmpacted matter which should
have been promptly eliminated. If
there is the slightest signs of constipa-
ton, the colon should be thoroughly
cleansed by the use of from two to
three quarts Of warm water, in which
has been dissolved one teaspoonful
of salt to the quart of water. This
should be injected by means of a
long, flexible soft rubber tube, called
a colon tube, such as is used in hos
pitfalls in administering what is called
high enema
About the only medicine that will
be needed for keeping the system in
excellent fighting condition in case the
above suggestions are followed, is
either the good. old-fashioned herb
remedy, compound gentian syrup (not
tincture) or about one grain of capsi-
cum, or common red pepper, taken just
at the finish of breakfast and another
at dinner. The best way to take capsi-
cum is in soluble capsules.
When the disease has become estab-
lished the Home Health club method
of treatment should be rigidly followed
in addition to the observance of the
dietetic and hygienic rules above given