Exercise, Air, and Sunlight
[
Testimonies for the Church 2:525-527
(1870).]
The chief if not the only reason why many become invalids is that
the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in the vital fluid,
which are necessary to life and health, do not take place. They have
not given their bodies exercise nor their lungs food, which is pure,
fresh air; therefore it is impossible for the blood to be vitalized, and
it pursues its course sluggishly through the system. The more we
exercise, the better will be the circulation of the blood.
More people die for want of exercise than through overfatigue; very
many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves
to proper exercise in the open air, will generally have a good and
vigorous circulation. We are more dependent upon the air we breathe
than upon the food we eat. Men and women, young and old, who
desire health, and who would enjoy active life should remember that
they cannot have these without a good circulation. Whatever their
business and inclinations, they should make up their minds to exercise
in the open air as much as they can. They should feel it a religious duty
to overcome the conditions of health which have kept them confined
indoors, deprived of exercise in the open air.
Some invalids become willful in the matter and refuse to be con-
vinced of the great importance of daily outdoor exercise, whereby they
may obtain a supply of pure air. For fear of taking cold they persist,
from year to year, in having their own way and living in an atmosphere
almost destitute of vitality. It is impossible for this class to have a
healthy circulation. The entire system suffers for want of exercise
[174]
and pure air. The skin becomes debilitated and more sensitive to any
change in the atmosphere. Additional clothing is put on, and the heat
of the room increased. The next day they require a little more heat
and a little more clothing in order to feel perfectly warm; and thus
they humor every changing feeling until they have but little vitality to
endure any cold.
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