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General Hygiene
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so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s
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work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial
breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to
expand. A similar effect is produced by tight lacing. Sufficient room
is not given to the lower part of the chest; the abdominal muscles,
which were designed to aid in breathing, do not have full play, and
the lungs are restricted in their action.
Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood
moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be
thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the
blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver,
and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is re-
tarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are
confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes
depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.
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The lungs are constantly throwing off impurities, and they need
to be constantly supplied with fresh air. Impure air does not afford
the necessary supply of oxygen, and the blood passes to the brain
and other organs without being vitalized. Hence the necessity of
thorough ventilation. To live in close, ill-ventilated rooms, where
the air is dead and vitiated, weakens the entire system. It becomes
peculiarly sensitive to the influence of cold, and a slight exposure
induces disease. It is close confinement indoors that makes many
women pale and feeble. They breathe the same air over and over
until it becomes laden with poisonous matter thrown off through the
lungs and pores, and impurities are thus conveyed back to the blood.
Ventilation and Sunlight
In the construction of buildings, whether for public purposes or
as dwellings, care should be taken to provide for good ventilation
and plenty of sunlight. Churches and schoolrooms are often faulty in
this respect. Neglect of proper ventilation is responsible for much of
the drowsiness and dullness that destroy the effect of many a sermon
and make the teacher’s work toilsome and ineffective.
So far as possible, all buildings intended for human habitation
should be placed on high, well-drained ground. This will ensure
a dry site and prevent the danger of disease from dampness and