The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1922-03-04
FOR u
Prepared by the
FINpdION W LHC
NEW JERSEY TUBERCULOSIS LEAGUE
GEORGE J.. FISHER, M. D.

THE history Of mn is that he has always been accustomed to vigorous
\ bodily exercise. Consequently his muscles are micro and large. About
half the body weight is made up by the mucles. Thus they constitute a large
part Of his being Furthermore, in his development the muscles m first
Heart lungs, liver, nervous system, Ill came 1ater. They calne Is n resut of
muscle contraction. When muscles were used In II greater variety of ways
then there vas need for richer blood, more elaborate digestion, n "A nervous
system Ito control them. Half the brain in fac is given oyer to the care of
the muscles. Thus we see that muscles are exceedingly important organs.
They are related to all the organs OF the body. They are most closely con
neded with the nerves of the body and are very directly related to the
digestion, fine circulation, ervou control, and mental ygor When the
muscles get aabby and lose their tone the blood gets sluggish, the lungs lazy
the nerves unpy, and the brain duh. You canot neglect the muscles without
feeling the results at many important points.
Now unfortunately most Of our work today does not make sufficient
demand upn on muscles A great deal o it is done sitting still II standing
still, and W. were never made to 'dts still pr stand still. We were made o
be physically active. Most of the big muscles are quite closely related to the
legs We should concern ourselves with leg activity Walking slow running,
leg bending and body bending and twisting from the hips are necessary
Note how quickly rapid walking or body bending affects or breathing the
such as indigestion. short wind, duIness of the head, are due to muscle
inactivity. Provide the activity and these will disappear A brisk walk
several times a day, indulgence Elm some favorite physical game nee or twice
a week, some muscle caisthenics in morning and evening a daily sponge
regularly On the other hand to neglect this practice may result in a tendency
toward sluggfshnes, occasional bilious attacks, chronic colds, increase Of
weight so characteristic o. of midlife, and shallow breathing
Some of us toe are in lines of work which tend to contract the chest
round the shoulders, bring the head forward, or push the lower part of the
abdomen downward and forward, and thus lower the ton Of muscles and
the bodily organs which are closely related to them In such cases exercises
should be taken TO counteract these conditions All exercise should be taken
with the head up shoulders high, chest raised, and back slightly arched; when
this is done it helps to keep the body In these positions
People who may be in occupations which overexerche certain parts should
by relaxation rest the parts affected. Those who stand a great deal should
lie down when resting with feet slightly elevated Rubbing of the tired parts
in the direction toward the heart after a hot bath of the parts followed by
cold will relieve the tension and the fatigue.
Most adults need vigorous exercise of the muscles located between the
shoulders and the knees. Those who wish a specials act Of exercises / should
advise to secur a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook. The chapter o n Health
and Endurance eontafns a good drill for daily use.