Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1923-02-10
PHYSIOLOGY AND
HYGIENE NEGLECTED.

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Sir:-Were a man to study a.
diligently how to keep well as HI
does TO make money. at least two
thirds OF the sickness would be
avoided. Were we as careful with
J our health as with our best clothes
] much of the illness, that now is
would not be. Yes, most of us are
born with healthy bodies and nat
ural appetites. but sometime in life,
! often early, we create new appe-
tites for for many things as over
feeding. opium. tobacco. alcohol,
sweets in excess and various other
things, not necessary TO mention
here, which not only are uselss. but
prove injurious to our vital organs,
! especially If carried to- the point
of habitual using. Health is the
best asset, and why not preserve it.
Is It because we do not know, or
on account of a careless way of
living when we know better. II the
first reason, our children should be
better taught; II the second reason,
still the teaching is needed to enable
our growing generation to avoid
careless living.
Physiology and hygiene. eepe-
cially the latter, ought TO be taught
early in every home, and should be
made a more extensive study in our
public schools. At the present time.
as heretofore, these branches have
been taught in a limited way and
only in the seventh grade. To do
justice to. these branches, instruc-
ton should be given in them regu-
larry every day as in history, and
mathematics. and the other leading
studies. Many a boy skilful in
baseball and football games is
totally incompetent to give an out
line description Of the human liver
or lungs, and their different func-
tions. No less inefficient is the
average girl, who may be ever so
skilful in drawing, painting or
music. But hygiene. the care OF
health, is really OF the most prac-
tical importance; and it should ever
engage the instructors attention, at
all times, whenever any violation OF
the laws OF health presents itself
These lessons cannot be given too
early even at home it is unwise TO
omit them from the domestic re-
gime of health: and in the public
school. they should be among the
first lessons taught.
Parents. teachers and pupils all
must remember that our vital or
gans, upon which our health prin-
cipally depends are given to US; we
do not have to buy them; and we
cannot get any more in their stead
II one or more of them become dis
eased from our indiscretion in diet,
habitual use of poisons, or negli-
gence in some other no less care
less way. We can omit the pur-
chase of some very desirable article
of dress or ornament and be no
worse off by so doing, but If we neg
lect our health, we must suffer,
how much we are unable to say;
but II reparation be not made either
by natural functions. or by the aid
OF medical administration or both,
and this done soon. we may have
to endure the serious consequences
OF some chronic malady: therefore,
II behooves everyone, old or young
rich or poor. strictly to observe the
rules OF hygiene both in and out
OF school; for the preservation Of
the human body has no parallel lex
cept the care OF the souD in con-
OF what is best for man
or woman. wealth. honor. fame. re-
nown and glory being secondary. II
a person study as diligently how
10 keep we'll as he does how to make
money and accumulate wealth, or
as som dishonest man endeavors
how to take advantage of his neigh |
Dor. much OF the physical ailments
now suffered would be listed among |
he events OF the past, and the fu-
ure blessed with increased bodily |
7igor and better health generally.
The eye is so important an organ |
hat we prefer TO sustain the loss
IF any other OF the five natural
senses to losing the power OF sight.
TO preserve this organ from in
urles, the throwing OF missiles
angling from a grain OF sand TO
1rick-bat. in fact including all hard
Ind dangerous objects, so often en-
,loyed by rough and careless boys,
n their diversions should be pro-
,ibited by law. Although these pas
lines are generally nnocent, they
eliminate in angry
hreats and blows. and cause an
we to be injured and possibly de-
troyed. Both parents and teachers
annot act too promptly and strenu-
usly in the prevention OF all such
hazardous sport. The use Of the
ir-gun we think, never been pro-
ibited by any State regulation.
some serious accidents
ave occurred both to the eye and
Their parts of the person. We
eem II expedient to invite the at
on of the people OF Delaware and
le members OF the Legislature to
lie consideration of such a measure,
$ would. forbid and prevent all
angerous maneuvers and diver
ons, so frequently engaged in by
lie thoughtless boys.
JAS. H. WARD. NJ. D..
Laurel, Del.