HEALTH IN THE HOME.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 551, 19 March 1913, Page 7

HEALTH IN THE HOME.

DECAYED TEETH AND APPENDICITIS. The house surgeon of one of the largest Loncfon hospitals, discussing the question of the relationship of decayed teeth and appendicitis, says that " decayed and dirty teeth are a frequent cause of indigestion, constipation, and appendicitis, as the teeth are swarming in disease germs which the person is constantly swallowing. Some of these germs are killed on entering the stomach, but others enter the intestines and cause trouble." SLEEP AND FOOD. Old people can have hardly too much sleep to restore, if possible, the loss by physical and mental strain upon the constitution. Old folk should learn by experience just how much supper to eat in order to secure a good night, and also the amount of sleep to indulge in. If they possessed such knowledge, it would tend greatly to increase the term of life, and make them more restful while life did last. An important point in regard to sleeping is to avoid the heavy and late supper which is so common among some people. The best hour for supper is half-past six, and it should be light. The heaviest meal should be the midday meal, for those, at least, who care for and study their health. A SICK-ROOM HINT. One of the most useful hints for sick-room attendance is very seldom known outside of a hospital ward, and not even there in many cases; the hint is how to obtain a cold cloth without the use of ice. Everyone knows that in fevers a cold cloth on the forehead' or face, or base of the brain, is one of the most comforting things in the world. In the tropical hospitals, and where ice is scarce, all that is necessary is to wet a linen cloth, wave it to and fro in the air, fold it and place on the patient. Have another cloth redely, waving it to and fro just before applying it; these cloths have a more grateful and lasting coldness than those made so by the intense cold produced by ice. LUNG GYMNASTICS. Direct gymnastics for the lungs, to increase their capacity'and elasti-, city, are almost a safeguard against consumption if taken in time. Dr. Otis advises people with weak lungs to stand erect in a well-venti-lated room, place the hands on the hips, and take long, deep, slow breaths, varying the, rhythm, and at times taking short, jerky breaths for variety. The breath should be drawn only through the nose. Better yet, combine the breathing: exercises with the setting-up drill or other arm exercises. Dr. Otis gives these exercises, to which others might be added : i.—Slowly raise the arms from the sides until they meet above the head, breathing deeply. Breathe out while slowly lowering. 2. —Raise the arms in front; carry them as far back as possible; then down. Breathe as before. 3. —Slowly rise upon the toes, breathing deeply. 4.—Extend the arms in front; carry one leg back as far as possible. 5. —Lie on the back; raise the arms backward and over the head, while breathing deeply. People with plenty of lung capacity can stand even bad air without suffering. It is * well known that women whose lung capacity is interfered with by corsets are much more apt to faint in close, ill-ventilated rooms than men.

RHEUMATISM AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. By those who suffer from this distressing malady which cripples and prostrates so many the following- notes will doubtless be appreciated. Rheumatism may be acute or chronic. Acute rheumatism, though rarely fatal, is a formidable disease on account of the suffering it causes, the intensity of the fever, and ihe damage it so frequently inflicts upon the heart. A superabundance of lactic acid in the system is its sup--, posed cause. Symptoms: —There is restlessness and fever, with stiffness, aching pain, and swelling of the joints, following exposure to cold and damp. There is very high fever, the temperature in bad cases reaching fronv 104 degrees to 105 degres. The skin is bathed in perspiration of a disagreeable acid or sour odour. The pulse is full and quick, the tongue moist, but thickly furred; the urine high coloured, scanty, acid, and loaded with urates. Its average duration, is, from twelve to thirty days. Treatment :—Opiates to procure rest. Salicylic acid or -salicylate of soda. Hot air or vapour baths if perspiration is scanty. During convalescence : —Quinine and iodide of iron; diet: beef tea, milk and lime-water, eggs, cream, light puddings, vegetables and white fish; mutton, poultry, and beef not: to be allowed too soon. The limbs should be wrapped in cotton wool and oiled silk, and the patient shculc'iffie between blankets in preference to sheets. 3