COLD BATHS AND WARM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 166, 7 August 1909, Page 4

COLD BATHS AND WARM.

THE PROPER WAY TO TAKE THEM. The person who does not know the joys ot a cold bath, the glow of its reaction, is missing one of the real joys of life. There is no better way to attack ...ie day's work than by the use of n cold shower.

It should be taken in the morning immediately on rising or after brisk exercise.

The temperature of the water may vary to suit the pleasure of the bather, but should always be cold enough to cause a decided shock to the skin, with its blood-vessels and nerves, and should not be so cold as to prevent or delay a thorough reaction. REACTION MUST OCCUR. The blood, driven from the surface of the body by the cold, should return promptly, imparting a feeling of warmth and pleasure. If this reaction docs not occur either naturally or by means of brisk rubbing of the skin the bath is not beneficial. That temperature is best to which the individual reacts most promptly and vigorously, and therefore the weak and delicate should use water only slightly cooler ll:ii,i the skill. ' ■ The duration of a cold bath should be very brief, one or two,minutes being sufficient. The skin should be dried by a ljri-k rubbing with a rather tough towel.

Tlic warm bath has uses aside from mere cleanliness. It is a sedative of considerable value, soothing the irritated nerves, relaxing the tired and sore muscles and promoting sleep. It should be taken late in the day—preferably at bedtime—and should be followed by a period of rest and sleep. The room should be warm, and enough \vate r should be used to cover the body well. One may remain in the bath fo"r several minutes, but should be careful not to get chilled afterwards. TAKE CARE IN SEA-BATHING.

Of all the forms of the bath the sea bath is most liable to abuse.

One should remember that a sea bath does not necessarily meiin being soaked for three or four hours in brine. Staying in the cold water till the lips and nails arc blue, tho teeth are chattering, tind the skin clammy and cold is certainly not beneficial, to say the least. Especially should care 'be taken by those who go to the seaside resorts for only a few days each season. We frequently see patients who, afte r a week at the seaside, require several weeks to iecover from the colds, sunburn, and other ills due to prolonged exposure.— Pearson's Weekly.