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General Hygiene
193
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 which should pass off through
the skin become an additional burden to the other eliminating organs.
Most persons would receive benefit from 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
improves 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 made brighter. The bath is a soother of the nerves. Bathing helps
the bowels, the stomach, and the liver, giving health and energy to
each, and it promotes digestion.
It is important also that the clothing be kept clean. The garments
worn absorb 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 heaps 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.
Perfect cleanliness, plenty of sunlight, careful attention to sani-
tation in every detail of the home life, are essential to freedom from
disease and to the cheerfulness and vigor of the inmates of the home.
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