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General Hygiene
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Scrupulous cleanliness is essential to both physical and mental
health. Impurities are constantly thrown off from the body through
the skin. Its millions of pores are quickly clogged unless kept
clean by frequent bathing, and the impurities that should pass off
through the skin become an additional burden to the other organs of
elimination.
Most persons would be benefited by a cool or tepid bath every
day, morning or evening. Instead of increasing the liability to take
cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because it im-
proves the circulation; the blood is brought to the surface, and a
more easy and regular flow is obtained. The mind and the body are
alike invigorated. The muscles become more flexible, the intellect is
sharpened. The bath is a soother of the nerves and promotes diges-
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tion. It helps the bowels, the stomach, and the liver, giving health
and energy to each.
It is important also that the clothing be kept clean. Garments ab-
sorb the waste matter that passes off through the pores. If they are not
frequently changed and washed, the impurities will be reabsorbed.
Every form of uncleanliness tends to disease. Death-producing
germs abound in dark, neglected corners, in decaying refuse, in
dampness and mold and must. No waste vegetables or piles of fallen
leaves should be allowed to remain near the house to decay and
poison the air. Nothing unclean or decaying should be tolerated
within the home. In towns or cities regarded perfectly healthful,
many an epidemic of fever has been traced to decaying matter about
the dwelling of some careless householder.
Maximum cleanliness, plenty of sunlight, and careful attention
to sanitation are essential to freedom from disease and to the cheer-
fulness and vigor of all who live in the home.
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