Health in the Home.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 721, 14 November 1914, Page 7

Health in the Home.

OFFENSIVE BREATH,

When the health is perfect, tha breath is sweet and agreeable, but if it has a disagreeable odour, then it fa a sure sign the body is not in a wholesome condition. It may arise from disordered digestion, scurvy, or malignant sore throat. The breath is also foetid during the progress of eruptive, enteric, and pestilential fevers; in gangrene of the lung it is extremely offensive. . If the mouth and teeth are not cleansed after a meal, or if the teeth are decayed, the breath will again be unpleasant. An occasional dose of sulphur will be beneficial; the diet must be plain and nourishing; all rich foods and pastries must t-o avoided; and very little animal food taken. There" must be regular outdoor exercise, and a daily bath. The mouth and teeth should be cleansed every day; perfumed* carbolic acid, diluted with water, makes an excellent wash for the mouth when the breath is bad.

HOW TO TREAT A COUGH

Coughs aris9 from different causes, so before rushing off to get a medical man to stop the cough, try to find the causa of it. A cough is really an effort of Nature to bring up and get rid of secretion that ought to be cleared from the lungs. In the case of an old person or a child nothing in the form of laudanum, paregoric, or morphia should be given, as the effect may be disastrous. Some coughs arise from a deranged stomach, so that any of the above drugs taken for such a cough would be quite wrong. The best cure for a cough of that kind is change of air, careful dieting, avoiding rich foods, and taking a few doses of fluid magnesia. If a cough continues to he very tiresome, and no relief can be obtained by home remedies, it is possible the ■ungs may be affected, therefore the doctor should be seen, and the chest examined with a stethoscope. A very safe remedy for the ordinary winter cough is a dose of cod-liver oi\ Some coughs arise from a little throat irritation, and are generally dry and hacking. Relief can be obtained by dissolving some sugar candy in a little lemon juice, and taking occasionally a teaspoonful. For those who are troubled with a tickling cough we would advise them to always carry some glycerine lozenges, and take one the moment they feel the least irritation.

WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH SALT

Salt cleanses the palate and furred tongue, and a gargle of salt and water is often efficacious. A pinch of salt on the tongue, followed ten minutes afterwards by a drink of cold water, often cures a sick headache. Salt hardens the gums, makes teeth white, and sweetens the breath. Cut flowers may be kept fresh by adding salt to the water. Yfeak ankles should be rubbed wibh solution of salt water and alcohol. Rose colds, hay fever, and kindred affections may be much relieved by using fine, dry salt, like snuff. Dyspepsia, heartburn, and indigestion are relieved by a cup of hot water in which a small spoonful of salt has been melted. Salt and water will sometimes revive an unconscious .person when hurt, if brandy or other remedies are not at hand. Haemorrhage from tooth-pulling, is stopped,by filling the mouth with salt and water. Weak and tired eyes are refreshed by bathing with warm water and. salt. - Publio speakers and many noted singers use" a wash of salt and water before and after using the voice, as it strengthens the organs of the throat. Salt rubbed into the scalp or occasionally added to the water in washing prevents the hair falling out. Feathers uncurled by damp weather are quickly dried by shaking over a fire in which salt has been thrown. Salt always should be eaten with nuts, and a dessert fruit salt should be specially made.

VOMITING OF BLOOD

This distressing complaint is generally preceded by a feeling of sickness, pain in the stomach, or indigestion, a feeble pulse, paleness, and a tendency to faint. There is a difference between the blood discharged from the" stomach and from the lungs. When from the stomach it is of a dark colour; the blood is vomited; it is often mixed with food and is not frothy. It is preceded by nausea and stomach pain. Blood is also passed with the evacuation from the bowels. "When the blood is discharged from the lungs it is of a bright red colour, and is generally coughed up. The blood is frothy and is preceded by a pain in the chest. Blood is not evacuated from the bowels. The patient should lie down at once, with the head and shoulders raised; all tight fitting clothes should be removed or loosened; there must be quiet and repose in the room, neither talking, crowding, noise, nor confusion must bo permitted. The life of the patientmay depend upon the calmness and judgment of those in charge. The room must be kept cool and airy, and ice should be repeatedly swallowed in small pieces. In haemorrhage from the" stomach the patient should remain in bed, and all nourishment should bo given by injection; nothing must be taken by the mouth except sips of iced water. No special alarm may be felt if the patient seems faint, as that is often Nature's way of stopping the bleeding. But if the faintness continues too long iced champagne may be given- --