East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1913-04-02
AUTOMOBILES
DRIVING MOTOR CAR is AID
TO HEALTH OF THE WOMEN

women motorists are increasing IN
numbers; and this fact is said to be
stimulating manufacturers to build
cars with especial reference to fem
mime abilities and limitations.
"Cranking up" has heretofore certain
! ly been a mans work. When the self
starter has oeen perfected. however,
as it now promises to be. and be-
| comes simple, inexpensive and reli-
able. about the last mechanical i'm
pediment to a womn's handling her
own car will be removed. Even now
the clutch, which used to require a
mans muscular power to disengage,
generally needs only the strength
which the average woman can easily
exert, and new devices make 1t pos
sible for women to adjust tires. The
Journal of the American Medical as
sociation discusses this subject in q
recent issue with special reference to
the physical effects in women of con-
tinued motoring.
Driving a motor car from April to
November should be a healthful re-
creation, both physical and mental.
for any woman, provided the exercise
be within reasonable limits and the
car a runabout or light roadster
one, at any rate, not too heavy for a
woman to handle. The weaker sex"
are naturally quick of eye and deft
of wrist two qualifications, aside from
sufficient strength, which are needed.
Women are in general more eXcitable
and less steady judgment than men,
shortcomings which may prove disas-
trous in emergencies, or which might
render it advisable to confine motor
ing efforts to areas outside the crow
ell portion of the larger cities. 1t Of
fers much pleasure and benefit, per-
haps and may be INDUCED in when
the other forms of exercise or sport
are unavailable or unsuitable. Ra-
tional motoring affords opportunity
for plenty of fresh air, with improved
appetite and increases zest of life. The
eVerchanging scenes may soothe and
satisfy the emotions. and hitherto
aspects of civilization may
interest and divert from introspectlon
There is, however, quite a formid-
able array of troubles, nervous and
otherwise, which have been charged
against motoring, and which point to
the fact that the sport at best is a
strenuous one for women.
The ailments for which the motorcar
may be held responsible are due al
most entirely, however, to speeding
and to the fear of accidents which
might be engendered as the result of
this.
The ''auto-eye" is a spasm of the
ciliary muscles (Which govern accom-
of distance); to this those
who have errors of refraction are spe- |
cially prone; speeding over an un-
known country, through devious
roads, the sight being constantly and
rapidly attracted by objects now near
and now In the distance, makes an alb
normal strain on the visual mechan-
ism.
Wind and dust, coupled with high !
speed, induce any degree of conjuncti- |
val inflammation, from a hyperemia |
to a contagious lesion; the wearing of
goggles largely obviates this. Auto
leg is a cramp due to sitting in one
position for hours while the veins and |
are under strain from con-
shocks and joltings over bad |
roads.
Nerve strain and nerve exhaustion, |
by hysteria and neurasthe-
nia are not rare, especially among |
young women who motor extensively. !
Such attacks come on relaxation after |
strain in a rapid run over many miles, |
but they are not ordinarily serious in |
healthy women; but may be in those |
not up to par as to their nervous sys-
TENS. The excitement of motoring |
may appeal to such women. The ever
Increasing stimulation inherent in
speeding may sooner or later end in
prostration. For such cases entire
rest and complete abandonment of
are absolutely essential.
ANIEDTTa TIIC MODE, TITAN