THE SEASIDE AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS.
The custom of sending invalids to the seaside, says an English medical journal, at least early in their convalescence, would fall into disfavor if physicians more clearly recognised the perils and inconveniences to which they are exposed. Apart from the dangers of bad drainage and impure water, there are the worry and disturbance caused by the invasion of crowds of boisterous excursionists, the hourly infliction of execrable noises perpetrated by bands of co-called musicians, the wretched food, and the bad cooking. Added to all which there is the ever-changeful climate, which scarcely maintains a temperature of hygrometric condition two hours in succession on the coast, where it is affected by the alternation of sea and shore influences. It is pitiable, says the Lancet, to see the reputed health-resorts ju3t now crowded with "cripples" of all classes and descriptions, obviously deriving the smallest benefit, with the largest amount of risk, from the most unpromising conditions. Tbey sit or recline iu wheel-chairs on piers and exposed situations, or are dragged wearily up and down esplanades, to their own injury and the sympathetic depression of those around. Surely it would be possible to devise a better mode of securing the advantages of " change" and " air" for the weak and permanently disabled, than one which exposes them to the gravest of atmospheric vicissitudes, and affords the least pleasure to joyless lives, while it inflicts many and mischief-working annoyances. Speaking generally, invalids fare better in the country districts than upon the coast, and the superior claims of " sea air" are not overwhelming when the drawback of incessant change of temperature, variable degrees of moisture, and unstable wind-force are taken into the account. In so far as fashion may determine the form of "change" recommended or adopted, we venture to think the prescription needs to be revised.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5215, 8 December 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)
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308THE SEASIDE AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5215, 8 December 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)
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