635. Many mothers feel that they have not time to instruct their children, and in order to get them out of the way, and get rid of their noise and trouble, they send them to school. The schoolroom is a hard place for children who have inherited enfeebled constitutions. Schoolrooms generally have not been constructed in reference to health, but in regard to cheapness. The rooms have not been arranged so they could be ventilated as they should be without exposing the children to severe colds. The seats have seldom been made so that the children can sit with ease, and keep their little, growing frames in a proper posture to insure healthy action of the lungs and heart. Young children can grow into almost any shape, and can, by habits of proper exercise and positions of the body, obtain healthy forms. It is destructive to the health and life of young children to sit in the schoolroom, upon hard, ill-formed benches, from three to five hours a day, inhaling the air made impure by many breaths. The weak lungs become affected, the brain, from which the nervous energy of the whole system is derived, becomes enfeebled by being called into active exercise before the strength of the mental organs is sufficiently matured to endure fatigue.
In the schoolroom the foundation has been too surely laid for diseases of various kinds. But, more151especially, the most delicate of all organs, the brain, has often been permanently injured by too great exercise. This has often caused inflammation, then dropsy of the head, and convulsions with their dreaded results. . . . Of those children who have apparently had sufficient force of constitution to survive this treatment, there are very many who carry the effects of it through life. The nervous energy of the brain becomes so weakened that after they have come to maturity it is impossible for them to endure much mental exercise. The force of some of the delicate organs of the brain seems to be expended. . . .
During the first six or seven years of a child’s life, special attention should be given to its physical training, rather than to the intellect. After this period, if the physical constitution is good, the education of both should receive attention. . . . Parents, especially mothers, should be the only teachers of such infant minds. They should not educate from books. The children generally will be inquisitive to learn the things of nature. They will ask questions in regard to the things they see and hear, and parents should improve the opportunity to instruct and patiently answer these little inquiries.—H. to L., Chap. 2, pp. 42, 44.
Hygiene of Motherhood.
636. It is an error generally committed to make no difference in the life of a woman previous to the birth of her children.—T., V. II, p. 381.
637. In past generations, if mothers had informed themselves in regard to the laws of their being,152they would have understood that their constitutional strength, as well as the tone of their morals, and their mental faculties, would in a great measure be represented in their offspring. Their ignorance upon this subject, where so much is involved, is criminal. Many women never should have become mothers. Their blood was filled with scrofula, transmitted to them from their parents, and increased by their gross manner of living. The intellect has been brought down and enslaved to serve the animal appetites, and children born of such parents have been poor sufferers, and of but little use to society. . . .
Wives and mothers who otherwise would have had a beneficial influence upon society in raising the standard of morals, have been lost to society through multiplicity of home cares, because of the fashionable, health-destroying manner of cooking, and also in consequence of too frequent child-bearing. They have been compelled to needless suffering, the constitution has failed, and the intellect has become weakened by so great a draught upon the vital resources. . . . If the mother, before the birth of her offspring, had always possessed self-control, realizing that she was giving the stamp of character to future generations, the present state of society would not be so depreciated in character as at the present time.
Every woman about to become a mother, whatever may be her surroundings, should encourage constantly a happy, cheerful, contented disposition, knowing that for all her efforts in this direction she will be153repaid tenfold in the physical as well as the moral character of her offspring.—H. to L., Chap. 2, pp. 37, 38.
638. Great care should be exercised to have the surroundings of the mother pleasant and happy. . . . Not half the care is taken of some women while they are bearing children that is taken of animals in the stable.—T., V. II, p. 383.
Toiling Mothers.
639. The mother, in many cases previous to the birth of her children, is permitted to toil early and late, heating her blood. . . . Her strength should have been tenderly cherished. . . . Her burdens and cares are seldom lessened, and that period, which should be to her of all others a time of rest, is one of fatigue, sadness, and gloom. By too great exertion on her part, she deprives her offspring of that nutrition which nature has provided for it, and by heating her own blood, she imparts to the child a bad quality of blood. The offspring is robbed of its vitality, robbed of physical and mental strength.—H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 33.
Effect of the Mother’s Overwork on the Infant.
640. Many mothers, while nursing their infants, have been permitted to overlabor, and to heat their blood in cooking, and the nurseling has been seriously affected, not only with fevered nourishment from the mother’s breast, but its blood has been poisoned by the unhealthful diet of the mother. . . . The infant will also be affected by the condition of the mother’s mind. If she is unhappy, easily agitated, irritable, giving vent to outbursts of passion, the nourishment the infant receives from its mother will be affected, often producing colic, spasms, and,154in some instances causing convulsions.—H. to L., Chap. 2, p. 39.
Diet.
641. At this important period the labor of the mother should be lightened. Great changes are going on in her system. It requires a greater amount of blood, and therefore an increase of food of the most nourishing quality to convert into blood. Unless she has an abundant supply of nutritious food, she cannot retain her physical strength, and her offspring is robbed of vitality. . . . There will be an inability in the offspring to appropriate food which it can convert into good blood to nourish the system. . . . The extra draught upon the vitality of the mother must be considered and provided for.—T., V. II, pp. 381, 382.
Variable Appetite.
642. But, on the other hand, the idea that women, because of their special condition, may let the appetite run riot, is a mistake based on custom, but not on sound sense. The appetite of women in this condition may be variable, fitful, and difficult to gratify; and custom allows her to have anything she may fancy, without consulting reason as to whether such food can supply nutrition for her body and for the growth of her child. The food should be nutritious, but should not be of an exciting quality. Custom says that if she wants flesh meats, pickles, spiced food, or mince pies, let her have them; appetite alone is to be consulted. This is a great mistake, and does much harm. The harm cannot be estimated. If ever there is need of simplicity of diet and special care as to the quality of food eaten, it is at this important period. Women who possess155principle, and who are well instructed, will not depart from simplicity of diet at this time of all others. They will consider that another life is dependent upon them, and will be careful in all their habits, especially in diet.—T., V. II, p. 382.
643. From the food the mother was compelled to receive, she could not furnish a good quality of blood, and therefore gave birth to children filled with humors.—T., V. II, p. 379.
Clothing.
644. Her clothing also demands attention. Care should be taken to protect the body from a sense of chilliness. She should not call vitality unnecessarily to the surface to supply the want of sufficient clothing. . . . The prosperity of mother and child depends much upon good, warm clothing, and a supply of nourishing food.—T., V. II, p. 382.
645. Very many children are born with their blood tainted with scrofula, through the wrong habits of the mother in her eating and dressing. The very many miscarriages that now occur may generally be traced to fashionable dress.—H. R.
Hygiene of the Sick-Room.
646. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then may we expect that blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
647. Thousands have died for want of pure water and pure air, who might have lived. . . . These blessings they need in order to become well. If they would become enlightened, and let medicine156alone, and accustom themselves to outdoor exercise, and to air in their houses, summer and winter, and use soft water for drinking and bathing purposes, they would be comparatively well and happy instead of dragging out a miserable existence.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 56.
648. If those who are well need the blessing of light and air, and need to observe habits of cleanliness in order to remain well, the sick are in still greater need of them in proportion to their debilitated condition.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
Ventilation.
649. It is also of the greatest importance that the sick-room, from the first, be properly ventilated. This will be beneficial to the afflicted, and highly necessary to keep those well who are compelled to remain a length of time in the sick-room.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 54.
650. There is a lamentable catalogue of evils which have their origin in the sick-room, from which the pure air of heaven is excluded. All who breathe this poisonous atmosphere violate the laws of their being, and must suffer the penalty.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 58.
651. Every breath of vital air in the sick-room is of the greatest value, although many of the sick are very ignorant on this point. They feel very much depressed, and do not know what the matter is. A draught of pure air through their room would have a happy, invigorating influence upon them. . . . The sick-room, if possible, should have a draught of air through it day and night. The draught should not157come directly upon the invalid.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 59.
652. In pleasant weather the sick in no case should be deprived of a full supply of fresh air. . . . Fresh air will prove more beneficial to the sick than medicine, and is far more essential to them than their food. They will do better and recover sooner deprived of food than of fresh air. . . . Their rooms may not always be so constructed as to allow the windows or doors to open in their rooms without the draughts coming directly upon them, and exposing them to take cold. In such cases windows and doors should be opened in an adjoining room, and thus let the fresh air enter the room occupied by the sick.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 55.
653. If no other way can be devised, the sick, if possible, should be removed to another room and another bed, while the sick-room, the bed and bedding, are being purified by ventilation.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
Temperature.
654. It is of great value to the sick to have an even temperature in the room. This cannot always be correctly determined, if left to the judgment of the attendants, for they may not be the best judges of a right temperature. Some persons require more heat than others, and would be only comfortable in a room which to another would be uncomfortably warm. If each of these is at liberty to arrange the fires to suit her ideas of proper heat, the atmosphere in the sick-room will be anything but regular. . . . The friends of the sick, or attendants, who through anxiety and watching are deprived of sleep, and who158are suddenly awakened in the night from sleep to attend in the sick-room, are liable to chilliness. Such are not correct thermometers of the healthful temperature of a sick-room. These things may appear of small account, but they have very much to do with the recovery of the sick. In many instances life has been imperiled by extreme changes of the temperature of the sick-room.—H. to L., Chap. 4, pp. 54, 55.
655. While burning fevers are raging, there is but little danger of taking cold. But especial care is needful when the crisis comes, and fever is passing away. Then constant watching may be necessary to keep vitality in the system — H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
656. The heated, oppressed atmosphere, deprived of vitality, benumbs the sensitive brain.—T., V. I, p. 702.
Cleanliness.
657. If fevers enter a family, often more than one have the same fever. This need not be if the habits of the family are correct. If their diet is as it should be, and they observe habits of cleanliness and realize the necessity of ventilation, the fever need not extend to another member of the family. The reason that fevers prevail in families and expose the attendants, is because the sick-room is not kept free from poisonous infection, by cleanliness and proper ventilation.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 57.
658. Many suffer decayed vegetable matter to remain about their premises. They are not awake to the influence of these things. There is constantly arising from these decaying substances an effluvium159that is poisoning the air; by inhaling the impure air, the blood is poisoned, the lungs become affected, and the whole system is diseased. Disease of almost every description will be caused by inhaling the atmosphere affected by these decaying substances.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 61.
Quiet.
659. All unnecessary noise and excitement should be avoided in the sick-room, and the whole house should be kept as quiet as possible. Ignorance, forgetfulness, and recklessness have caused the death of many who might have lived had they received proper care from judicious, thoughtful attendants. The doors should be opened and shut with great care, and the attendants should be unhurried, calm, and self-possessed.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 59.
660. Much harm has resulted to the sick from the universal custom of having watchers at night. In critical cases this may be necessary; but it is often the case that more harm than good is done the sick by this practise. . . . Even one watcher will make more or less stir, which disturbs the sick. But where there are two, they often converse together, sometimes aloud, but more frequently in whispered tones, which is far more trying and exciting to the nerves of the sick than talking aloud. . . . Attendants upon the sick should, if possible, leave them to quiet and rest through the night, while they occupy a room adjoining. . . . The sick as a general thing are taxed with too many visitors and callers, who chat with them, and weary them by introducing different topics of conversation, when they need quiet and undisturbed rest. . . . It is a160mistaken kindness that leads so many, out of courtesy, to visit the sick. Often have they spent a sleepless, suffering night after receiving visitors. They have been more or less excited, and the reaction has been too great for their already debilitated energies, and as the result of these fashionable calls, they have been brought into very dangerous conditions, and lives have been sacrificed for the want of thoughtful prudence. . . . In very many instances these fashionable calls have turned the scale when the invalid was recovering, and the balance has borne them down to death. Those who cannot make themselves useful should be cautious in regard to visiting the sick.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 58.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION.
Physiology of the Digestive System.
661. The stomach has a controlling power upon the health of the entire body.— H. R.
662. Anything which is taken into the stomach and converted into blood becomes a part of the being.— T., V. IV, p. 141.
663. The benefit you derive from your food does not depend so much on the quantity eaten as on its thorough digestion, nor the gratification of the taste so much on the amount of food swallowed as on the length of time it remains in the mouth. . . . Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food. . . . Those who are excited, anxious, or in a hurry, cannot supply the necessary gastric juice.— R. and H., 1884, No. 31.
664. Thorough mastication is a benefit both to the teeth and the stomach.— R. and H., 1883, No. 19.
665. You are a nervous dyspeptic. The brain is closely connected with the stomach, and its power has so often been called to aid the weakened digestive organs that it is in its turn weakened, depressed, congested.— T., V. II, p. 318.
666. It is important that we relish the food we eat. If we cannot do this, but eat mechanically, we fail to be nourished and built up as we would be if we could enjoy the food we take into the stomach.—T., V. I, p. 682.
667. Immediately after eating there is a strong draught upon the nervous energy. The brain force is called into active exercise to assist the stomach; therefore, when the mind or body is taxed heavily after eating, the process of digestion is hindered. The vitality of the system, which is needed to carry on the work in one direction, is called away and set to work in another.—T., V. II, p. 413.
668. The stomach, when we lie down to rest, should have its work all done, that it may enjoy rest, as well as other portions of the body. The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period of the sleeping hours. After the stomach, which has been overtaxed, has performed its task, it becomes exhausted, which causes faintness. . . . The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work. . . . Having no time for rest, the digestive organs become enfeebled, hence the sense of “goneness,” and desire for frequent eating. . . . The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 56.
Causes of Indigestion.
669. The stomach has a controlling power upon the health of the entire body. . . . The brain nerves are in strong sympathy with the stomach.—H. R.
670. Many are willingly ignorant of their own structure. They lead their children in the same path of selfish indulgence which they have followed, causing them to suffer the penalty of the transgression of nature’s laws. They go to distant countries to seek a better climate, but their stomachs will create for them a malarious atmosphere wherever they may locate. They bring upon themselves sufferings that no one can alleviate.—U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
Hasty Eating.
671. In order to have healthy digestion, food should be eaten slowly. Those who wish to avoid dyspepsia, and those who realize their obligation to keep all their powers in the condition which will enable them to render the best service to God, will do well to remember this. If your time to eat is limited, do not bolt your food, but eat less, and eat slowly. . . . Those who are excited, anxious, or in a great hurry would do well not to eat until they have found rest or relief; for the vital powers, already severely taxed, cannot supply the necessary gastric juice. . . . Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food.—R. and H., 1884, No. 31.
Drinking at Meals.
672. Food should not be washed down; no drink is needed with meals. . . . The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed. . . . Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of the salivary glands; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice-water or iced lemonade, drunk with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted164sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again.—Ibid.
673. Hot drinks are debilitating; and besides, those who indulge in their use become slaves to the habit. . . . But if anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water drunk some little time before or after the meal is all that nature requires. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquor. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.—Ibid.
Liquid Foods.
674. Soups, puddings, and other articles of the kind are often eaten too hot, and as a consequence the stomach is debilitated. Let them become partly cooled before they are eaten.—Ibid.
675. To eat largely of porridge would not insure health to the digestive organs; for it is too much like liquid.—Y. I., May 31, 1894.
676. For those who can use them, good vegetables, prepared in a healthful manner, are better than soft mushes or porridge.—U. T., Jan. 11, 1897.
Too Frequent Eating.
677. A second meal should never be eaten until the stomach has had time to rest from the labor of digesting the preceding meal.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 55.
678. After the stomach has done its work for one meal, do not crowd more work upon it before it has had a chance to rest, and to provide a sufficient supply of gastric juice for the next meal. Five hours at least should be given between each meal, and always bear in mind that if you would give it a trial, you would find that two meals would be better than three.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
670. If a third meal be eaten at all, it should be light, and several hours before going to bed. But with many the poor tired stomach may complain of weariness in vain. More food is forced upon it, which sets the digestive organs in motion, again to perform the same round of labor through the sleeping hours. The sleep is generally disturbed with unpleasant dreams, and in the morning they awake unrefreshed. There is a sense of languor and loss of appetite. A lack of energy is felt through the entire system. In a short time the digestive organs are worn out, for they have had no time to rest. Such persons become miserable dyspeptics, and wonder what has made them so. The cause has brought the sure result. If this practise is indulged in a great length of time, the health will become seriously impaired. The blood becomes impure, the complexion sallow, and eruptions will frequently appear. You will often hear complaints of frequent pains and soreness in the region of the stomach; and while performing labor, the stomach becomes so tired that they are obliged to desist from work, and rest. They seem to be at a loss to account for this state of things; for, setting this aside, they are apparently healthy. . . . After the stomach, which has been overtaxed, has performed its task, it is exhausted, which causes faintness. Here many are deceived, and think that it is the want of food that produces such feelings, and without giving the stomach time to rest, they take more food, which for the time removes the faintness. . . .
The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work disposing of food not the most healthful. Having no time for rest, the digestive organs become enfeebled, hence the sense of “gone-ness” and desire for frequent eating.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 55.
680. Gluttonous feasts, and food taken into the stomach at untimely seasons, leave an influence upon every fiber of the system.—H. R.
Improper Food Combinations.
681. The less that condiments and desserts are placed upon our tables, the better it will be for all who partake of the food. All mixed and complicated foods are injurious to the health of human beings. Dumb animals would never eat such a mixture as is often placed in the human stomach. . . . Rich and complicated mixtures of food are health destroying.—U. T., Nov. 5, 1896.
682. Because it is the fashion, in harmony with morbid appetite, rich cake, pies, and puddings, and every hurtful thing are crowded into the stomach. The table must be loaded down with variety or the depraved appetite cannot be satisfied. In the morning, these slaves to appetite often have impure breath and a furred tongue. They do not enjoy health, and wonder why they suffer with pains, headaches, and various ills. The cause has brought the sure result.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 57.
683. If we would preserve the best health, we should avoid eating vegetables and fruit at the same meal. If the stomach is feeble, there will be distress, the brain will be confused, and unable to put167forth mental effort. Have fruit at one meal and vegetables at the next.—Y. I., May 31, 1894.
684. I frequently sit down to the tables of the brethren and sisters and see that they use a great amount of milk and sugar. These clog the system, irritate the digestive organs, and affect the brain. Anything that hinders the active motion of the living machinery, affects the brain very directly. And from the light given me, sugar, when largely used, is more injurious than meat.—T., V. II, p. 370.
Overeating.
685. Nearly all the members of the human family eat more than the system requires. This excess decays, and becomes a putrid mass. . . . If more food, even of a simple quality, is placed in the stomach than the living machinery requires, this surplus becomes a burden. The system makes desperate efforts to dispose of it, and this extra work causes a tired feeling. Some who are continually eating call this “all gone” feeling hunger, but it is caused by the overworked condition of the abused digestive organs.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
686. They (ministers, students, etc.) closely apply their minds to books, and eat the allowance of a laboring man. Under such habits, some grow corpulent, because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak, because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of food; the liver becomes burdened, and unable to throw off the impurities in the blood, and sickness is the result.—T., V. III, p. 490.
687. Often this intemperance is felt at once in the form of headache and indigestion and colic. A load168has been placed upon the stomach that it cannot care for, and a feeling of oppression comes. The head is confused, the stomach is in rebellion. But these results do not always follow overeating. In some cases the stomach is paralyzed. No sensation of pain is felt, but the digestive organs lose their vital force. The foundation of the human machinery is gradually undermined, and life is rendered very unpleasant.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
688. The power of the brain is lessened by drawing so heavily upon it to help the stomach get along with its heavy burden.—T., V. II, p. 363.
689. The brain nerve energy is benumbed and almost paralyzed by overeating—T., V. II, p. 414.
Improper Clothing.
690. The compression of the waist hinders the process of digestion. The heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and stomach are crowded into a small compass, not allowing room for the healthful action of these organs.—H. R.
691. When the extremities are not properly clad, the blood is chilled back from its natural course, and thrown upon the internal organs, breaking up the circulation and producing disease. The stomach has too much blood, causing indigestion.—T., V. II, p. 531.
Intemperance.
692. Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have a prostrating influence upon the system. . . . Strict temperance in eating and drinking is highly essential for the healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the functions of the body. . . . Intemperance commences at our tables, in the use of unhealthful food. After a time, through169continued indulgence, the digestive organs become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food.—T., V. III, p. 487.
Helpful Suggestions as to Treatment.
Regular Habits.
693. The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest. . . . With regular habits and proper food, the stomach will gradually recover. . . . Efforts should be made to preserve carefully the remaining strength of the vital forces, by lifting off every overtasking burden. The stomach may never fully recover health, but a proper course of diet will save further debility, and many will recover more or less, unless they have gone too far in gluttonous self-murder.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 57.
694. A second meal should never be eaten until the stomach has had time to rest from the labor of digesting the preceding meal.—H. to L., Chap. 1, p. 55.
695. The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work; the remedy such require is to eat less frequently and less liberally, and be satisfied with plain, simple food, eating twice, or, at most, three times a day.—H. to L., Chap. I, p. 56.
Rest.
696. The stomach must have careful attention. It must not be kept in continual operation. Give this misused and much-abused organ some peace and quiet rest.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
Exercise.
697. Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head erect, put back170the shoulders, and exercise moderately, will be a great benefit. . . . The diseased stomach will find relief by exercise.— T., V. II, p. 530.
Air.
698. He has not had the vitalizing air of heaven to help in the work of digestion.— T., V. II, p. 374.
699. Pure, fresh air . . . excites the appetite, renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound, sweet sleep.— T., V. I, p. 702.
Bathing.
700. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes digestion, and instead of the system’s being weakened, it is strengthened.— T., V. III, pp. 70, 71.
Mental Influence.
701. The less the attention is called to the stomach after a meal, the better. If you are in constant fear that your food will hurt you, it most assuredly will. Forget self, and think of something cheerful.
— T., V. II, p. 530.
702. At meal-time cast off all care and taxing thought. Do not be hurried, but eat slowly and with cheerfulness, your heart filled with gratitude to God for all his blessings.— G. W., p. 174.
703. You eat too much, and then you are sorry, and so you keep thinking upon what you eat and drink. Just eat that which is for the best, and go right away, feeling clear in the sight of Heaven and not having remorse of conscience.— T., V. III, p. 374.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE LUNGS AND RESPIRATION.
Physiology of Respiration.
704. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.— H. to L., Chap. 6, p. 57.
795. In order to have good blood, we must breathe well.— H. R.
706. The lungs, in order to be healthy, must have pure air.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 63.
707. Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs.— T., V. II, p. 533.
708. The strength of the system is, in a great degree, dependent upon the amount of pure, fresh air breathed. If the lungs are restricted, the quantity of oxygen received into them is also limited, the blood becomes vitiated, and disease follows.— H. R.
709. It is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter’s morning without inflating the lungs.— T., V. II, p. 529.
710. The compression of the waist by tight lacing prevents the waste matter from being thrown off through its natural channels. The most important of these is the lungs. In order for the lungs to do172the work designed, they must be left free, without the slightest compression. If the lungs are cramped, they cannot develop; but their capacity will be diminished, making it impossible to take a sufficient inspiration of air. The abdominal muscles were designed to aid the lungs in their action. Where there is no compression of the lungs, the motion in full breathing will be observed to be mostly of the abdomen. . . . When tight lacing is practised, the lower part of the chest has not sufficient room for action. The breathing, therefore, is confined to the upper portion of the lungs, where there is not sufficient room to carry on the work. But the lower part of the lungs should have the greatest freedom possible. The compression of the waist will not allow free action of the muscles of the respiratory organs.— H. R.
Causes of Diseases of the Respiratory Organs.
Unhygienic Surroundings.
711. Many suffer decayed vegetable matter to remain about their premises. . . . There is constantly arising from these decaying substances an effluvium that is poisoning the air. By inhaling the impure air, the blood is poisoned, the lungs become affected, and the whole system is diseased.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 61.
712. If a house be built where water settles around it, remaining for a time and then drying away, a poisonous miasma arises, and fever and ague, sore throat, lung diseases, and fevers will be the result.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
713. Especially in wet seasons the sleeping-rooms become damp, and those who sleep in the beds are troubled with rheumatism, neuralgia, and lung complaints, which generally end in consumption.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
Poor Ventilation.
714. Many families suffer from sore throat, lung diseases, and liver complaints, brought upon them by their own course of action. . . . They keep their windows and doors closed, fearing they will take cold if there is a crevice to let in the air. They breathe the same air over and over, until it becomes impregnated with the poisonous impurities and waste matter thrown off from their bodies, through the lungs and the pores of the skin.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 63.
715. For invalids who have feeble lungs, nothing can be worse than an overheated atmosphere.— T., V. II, p. 527.
716. The heated, oppressed atmosphere, deprived of vitality, benumbs the sensitive brain. The lungs contract, the liver is inactive.— T., V. I, p. 702.
Improper Breathing.
717. Stomach, liver, lungs, and brain are suffering for want of deep, full inspirations of air, which would electrify the blood and impart to it a bright, lively color, and which alone can keep it pure, and give tone and vigor to every part of the living machinery.
— T., V. II, p. 67.
Improper Use of the Voice.
718. Speaking from the throat, letting the words come out from the upper extremity of the vocal organs, all the time fretting and irritating them, is not the best way to preserve health or to increase the efficiency of these organs.— T., V. II, p. 616.
719. Careful attention and training should be given to the vocal organs. They are strengthened by right use, but become enfeebled if improperly used. Their excessive use will, if often repeated, not only injure the organs of speech, but will bring an undue strain upon the whole nervous system. The delicate harp of a thousand strings becomes worn, gets out of repair, and produces discord instead of melody. . . . It is not necessary to talk in a loud voice or in a high key; this does great injury to the speaker. . . . The human voice is a precious gift of God; it is a power for good, and the Lord wants his servants to preserve its pathos and melody. The voice should be cultivated so as to promote its musical quality, that it may fall pleasantly upon the ear and impress the heart. But the vocal organs are strangely abused, greatly to the injury of the speaker and the discomfort of the hearers.—Sp. T., No. 7, p. 9.
720. They injure the throat and vocal organs . . . when it is not called for. . . . This is in consequence of the unnatural position of the body, and the manner of holding the head.—T., V. II, p. 617.
721. Your dislike for physical taxation, while talking and exercising your throat, makes you liable to disease of the throat and lungs. . . . You should not let the labor come upon the upper part of the vocal organs, for this will constantly wear and irritate them, and will lay the foundation for disease. The action should come upon the abdominal muscles; the lungs and throat should be the channel, but should not do all the work.—T., V. III, p. 311.
722. Many speak in a rapid way, and in a high, unnatural key; but if they continue such a practise, they will injure the throat and lungs, and as a result of continual abuse the weak and inflamed organs will become diseased in a serious way, and they will fall into consumption.— C. E., p. 125.
723. There is need that among our ministers careful attention should be given to the culture of the voice, or many will lie down in untimely graves.—C. E., p. 133.
Proper Use of the Voice.
724. The proper use of the vocal organs will bring benefit to the physical health, and increase your usefulness and influence.— C. E., p. 132.
Improper Dress.
725. The extremities are chilled. . . . The heart fails in its efforts, and the limbs become habitually cold; and the blood, which is chilled away from the extremities, is thrown back upon the lungs and brain, and inflammation and congestion of the lungs or the brain is the result. . . . If the limbs and feet could have the extra coverings usually put upon the shoulders, lungs, and heart, and healthy circulation be induced to the extremities, the vital organs would act their part healthfully, with only their share of clothing.
I appeal to you mothers, do you not feel alarmed and heart-sick by seeing your children pale and dwarfed, suffering with catarrh, influenza, croup, scrofulous swellings appearing upon the face and neck, inflammation and congestion of the lungs and brain? Have you studied from cause to effect? Leaving their arms and legs insufficiently protected176has been the cause of a vast amount of disease and premature death.—H. to L., Chap. 5, p. 72.
726. It is essential to health that the chest should have room to expand fully, so that the lungs may be enabled to take full inspirations of air. Many who have died of consumption might have lived their allotted term of life had they dressed in accordance with the laws of their being. The strength of the system is, in a great degree, dependent upon the amount of fresh air breathed. If the lungs are restricted, the quantity of oxygen received into them is also limited, the blood becomes vitiated, and disease follows.—H. R.
727 The arms’ being naked exposes the infant to constant cold, and congestion of lungs or brain. These exposures prepare the way for the infant to become sickly and dwarfed.— H. to L., Chap. 5, p. 71.
Immoderate Eating.
728. Catarrhal difficulties, kidney disease, headache, and heart troubles are the result of immoderate eating.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
Liquor.
729. By the habitual use of sour cider many bring upon themselves permanent disease. Some die of consumption or fall under the power of apoplexy from this cause alone.—R. and H., 1884, No. 31.
Drugs.
730. Every poisonous preparation in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms, taken into the system, will leave its wretched influence, affecting the liver and lungs.—F. of F., p. 140.