The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-11-13

am not technically familiar with
the basis of his materlal-for in
stance, | do not know from per-
sonal experience what relation the
Peoria Cement Mixers Union has
with the Secretary Of State.
But one day Mr.. Pegler hit upon
a subject of which | claim some
technical and expert knowledge
the state of the nations health.
He said that if one can judge by
the number Of remedies that are
drummed into the ears of the
American public by radio. ours is
a nation of hypochondriacs. He
said that long ago when the coun-
try was younger there were many
secret formula remedies generally
used. but then the number and
quality of the medical profession
improved and the Department of
Justice made the manufacturers
modify their claims and the self
dosing of the American public
stopped until the radio got start
ed; and now self dosing is in full
flower again.
Took Vitamins
Mr.. Pegler acknowledged to
having taken some of these rem
edies himself in the form of vita
min tablets and in spite Of the
oratory he heard about them they
not only did not do him any good,
but they made him feel worse. His
experience is something like one
of mine. was being sent samples
of vitamin tablets and not know
ing what to do with them, gave
a box to a genial alcoholic friend.
The printed slip said they were
good for restoring nerves and
muscles, would help to keep hair
from turning gray, improve sight
at night and relieve outbreaks on
the skin. But the slip got lost, so
the recipient never saw it and so
never knew what he was supposed
to be being cured of. He took them
for a week and was very enthusi-
astic, said they did him a world of
good. but as / questioned him l
found it was not in any Of the de-
partments which they we're adver-
tised to help.
Reasons for Self-Treatment
Mr.. Pegler is right in general,
as he usually is, and as any doctor
could tell him. People treat them
selves, not because they are sick,
but in 30 per cent Of cases because
it makes them feel important. A
diet that somebody goes on IN
most instances has no effect what
ever on the digestive or metabolic
state of the dieter, but it gives her
something to talk about. But
heavens, this is not confined to
America nor to this age. II it were
possible for me to take Mr.. Pegler
to a European health resort in the
old days. he would see English,
French, Bulgarians, Republicans
and Rumanians. all with little cups
strung around their necks, drink
ing a tablespoonful of water every
hour, and then going to another
spring to have a good gargle and
then going to the hotel and eating
some fancy bran and hay diet
none Of which was needed, none OF
which affected them in the least,
but all of which furnished subject
for light conversation.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
L. r. HIS twilight sleep still
recommended during childbirth,
or is there tendency away from
it? If so what were its damages?
Answer: Strictly speaking twi-
light sleep is the method of pre-
venting pain in childbirth by CIV
ing a hypodermic of scopalimine
and morphine. 1t has fallen into
disuse because it so often caused
the death Of the child. There are
several methods of anaesthesia
during childbirth, but you had
best let your obstetrician choose
his own-the one he thinks most
suitable for the case.