The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1911-02-09
there must usually be present a lack

of resistance, either general or local.
before germs can give rise to disease
In some cases Il tendency to colds is
the expression of Il constitutional con-
dition, such as gout, rheumatism, neu-
'rasthenia. etc. These conditions should
always be sought for and properly
treated if present.
Local lack of resistance may be
caused by the nasal obstruction and ir-
ritation have already referred to, and
their correction is necessary before
permanent relief from colds can lie OBJ
tanned.
Dangers Of Pampering.
Overdressing for cold weather and
overheated living rooms are often re-
sponsible for frequent colds. Medium
weight underwear should be worn and
the outer clothing adapted to changes
in the weather. This does not mean
that we should leave off overcoats in
the winter time and be uncomfortably
chilly in an endeavor to harden the
system. Old people especially should
dress for comfort in cold weather, but
comfort can be had without wearing
heavy mutfiers around the neck and
heavy fur garments in ordinary winter
weather
Value Of Bathing.
The morning cold bath is valuable
measure for cultivating resistance to
colds. This should be taken in ii warm
room, and if the bather is not robust
he should stand in tub of hot water
and sponge or spray the body with
water sufficiently cold to cause an
agreeable glow or reaction after the
first shock. but not cold enough to
cause hueness of the skin or chilli
ness and depression following the
bath. Rubbing vigorously with a
coarse towel will hasten the reaction
| and improve the circulation. When
the cold bath cannot be borne. cool
sponging of neck and chest will prove
beneficial and protective.
Importance Of Ventilation.
The sleeping room should lie we'll
ventilated. but the sleeper should be
protected from drafts. The tenn
perature of the living room should
never rise above 20 degrees f.; &C to
6S degrees is the safest point Dry.
ness of the air should be avoided by
supplying moisture. A pan of water
placed on the stove or cloths Satu
rated with water and placed near radi
atorS will answer the purpose if
| ;..
voir attached.
Avoid dust and dampness in the
house
Avoid heavy upholstery. curtain
hangings. carpets. etc. which only
serve to gather dust and germs
Stained or polished floors. rugs and
light washable curtains are far more
healthful.
Toilet Of Nose and Throat.
Great caution must be exercised in
interfering with the natural process
es in the nose Frequent douchine
and spraying with antiseptic solutions
is often very irritating and injurious
In some old standing cases of catarrl
| y.
use should be directed by u physician
The careless use Of the douche ma.
lead to infection Of the ear. When q
cleansing spray or douche is neces
sary. the following Should be employ
cd In preference to strong antisep.it
solutions or advertised catarrh cures:
TO a pint of warm water add ont
teaspoonful of a powder composed ot
equal parts of sodium bicarbonatc. so
dium biborate and sodium chloride
This may be used warm in an alto
mizer' when the nose is dry and crus
ty or clogged with SCOT and dust.
In blowing the nose, especially afte
. Il douche or spray has been used. clos
one nostril and blow with moderat
force through the other. The usua
metod of partially closing both ncstril
; and forcibly blowing often causes in
fectious matter to be blown into tn
ears After using nasal douche eS
posure to the open air should be avoid
. cd for at least half an hour, as tn
nose has been deprived OF its protet
tive mucus and time is necessary fo
the mucus to reform. If an oil spra
is used following the douche this pre-
caution is not necessary.
When the nostrils are irritated G
innamed from discharges, and especia
ly if there is any liberation. the ord
4 nary official ointment of the ycllo'
E oxide of mercury is an excellent pref
D aration for use 1t may be diluted wit
n IN equal part of vaseline. This pref
! aration is cheaper and safer than az
@ vertiSed salves or nOstrums.
; Absorption of poisonous matter fro1
g the intestines. due to constipation, is
frequent cause Of nasal congestion
q Care Of the bowels is extremely impo
n tant as a preventive measure.
I Treatment Of Cold.
The possibilities in common co
are such that the wisest course is
Il call a physician and be regularly trea
ed. Quack remedies are dangerous. r
Il member that the brain is in close T
:, lationship with the nose and its acce
= sorry cavities and that infammati'
and infection Of these cavities. if n
recognized in time. may lead to absces
. ''Cold cures" often mask the symptol
= without curing the disease. Hea'
:, doses of whisky and quinine often
: more harm than good.
:, In emergencies when a physician
:. not within call the following measur
r.. will often check a cold:
n First.-A mustard foot bath as b
N as can be borne. lasting twenty to tn
10 ty minutes. the body being envelop
y in blankets to induce profuse p
- cx,;rntior Hot lnmnnade hot flaXSp