The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-06-29
NEURO-MUsCULAR IRRITABTLITY

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 NEURO.MUSCULAR
 IRRITABILITY
 A nerve trunk is actually almost indefatigable, unless it be asphyxi- ated by total deprivation of oxygen, !" says Starling (Human Physiology, Lea & Febiger, 1886, page l99).
 Nerves convey impulses. It wears as much on the nerves to funtion as it does on telegraph or telephone or power lines to convey electric current.
 As nearly as psychologists can de- tetrmine, an insignificant amount of energy is used by nerve tissues. One laboratory scientist made careful metabolisn measurements (measur- ing the combustion that occurs in the body, the oxidation process which is life) and found that the half of a peanut will provide all the energy used by the brain in some hours of intense concentration such as taking an examination in college. Reverting to the fact quoted from Starling, it is pertinent and useful to know that slight carbon monoxide anoxia (deprivation og oxygen in the tissues of the body) is cumulative effects of slight pollution of the air by monoxide and accounts for great many mistaken guesses of nervous exhaustion" nerve weak ness, or Arrangements of the nervous system not commonly attributed to nerves.
 In their book on Respiration" (Yale University Press, 1935) Hal dane and Priestly suggest that many so-called "neurasthenics" have 8 moderate state of asphyxia, anoxia, deficient oxygenation of the tissues, and that the complaint of many such persons that they cannot ex- pand the chest fully or connot get enough air may be rational and not merely imaginary.
 For that matter, I have long taught that Belly Breathing (for monograph instructing how to do the breathing exercise send stamped envelope bearing your address. and do NOT send a clipping, please) tetnds to steady the nerves or im- prove nervous stability. Many read- CTS who have practiced Belly Breath ing assure me it promotes sleep when one is restless or wakeful.
 Early smoking is apparently one of the earmarks of the national nervousness. Does nervous tension" or the need or desire for something to steady the nerves" lead to smok- ing or does the smoking tend to make the victim that way? I be- lieve the latter is nearer the truth. We know that carbon monoxide is 8 factor in the effects of smoking, whether the main factor or not is undecided, but certainly some of the effects formerly attributed to nico- tine are actually due to the anoxia of carbon monoxide inhaled in to- bacco smoke or in the air of the room polluted with smoke.
 One of the functions of calcium, according to Wright Applied Physi- ology, Oxford Medical Publications, 1934) is to regulate excitability of nerve flbers and nerve centers. Cal- cium tends to diminish Ileuro-mus- cular irritability,. and this action ex- plains its value as remedy in many common ailments.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 Infectiousness of Tuberculosis
 Please explain whether you mean that tuberculosis is dangerous only when the disease is active or if chum or companion or close aSsoci- ate is in any danger of infection by & patient who has gone through the cure at the sanitorium and been pronounced an arrested case. (F. D. O.
 Answer-There is practically no danger of infection as long as the process remains arrested. If the tu- berculosis again becomes active in- lection may be possible even before the next physical examination re- veals that the process has agaln be- come active.
 Protein
 Is animal protein superior for building health and strength to veg etable protein such as that in soy beans, nuts, etc? co. B.
 A1swer-1n general the protein of eggs, meat, milk, cheese is superior to that of peas, beans, nuts, wheat, but for human nutrition use of both animal and vegetable protein foods seems to give the best results.
 Hay Fever
 Have you any literature on hay fever? I suffer terribly every autumn and would do anything to escape the annual visitation. co. H. R)
 Answer-Send stamped addressed envelope for monograph.
 B0wless
 How long would one have to re- main in hospital for an operation to straighten bowlegs? How is the | operation done? Are casts or braces | dpper and handle. Sew small belt | circles to foundation.
 Other lovely things to weave? Using dishcloth as base, make 1 a pillow top of gay yarns. Tack