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Chapter 20—General Hygiene
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The knowledge that the human body is to be a temple for God, a
dwelling through which to reveal His glory, should be the highest in-
centive for us to care for and develop our physical powers. Fearfully
and wonderfully has the Creator formed and fashioned the human
frame, and He tells us to make it our study, understand its needs, and
act our part in preserving it from harm and defilement.
The Circulation of the Blood
In order to have good health, we must have good blood, for the
blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body.
When supplied with the proper food elements, and cleansed and
vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every
part of the system. The better the circulation, the better will this
work be accomplished.
At every pulsation of the heart the blood should make its way
quickly and easily to all parts of the body. Its circulation should not
be hindered by tight clothing or by insufficient clothing of the ex-
tremities. Whatever hinders the circulation forces the blood back to
the vital organs, producing congestion. Headache, cough, palpitation
of the heart, or indigestion is often the result.
Respiration
In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep
inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the
blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving
current, to every part of the body. Good respiration soothes the
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nerves, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion. And it induces
sound, refreshing sleep.
The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible.
Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they
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