THE AIR 



i6s 



tions do not regularly compel deep breathing should make out- 

 door games a part of our program. Outdoor playing is certainly 

 better than special exercises in breathing, and a healthy pro- 

 gram of play and work will give a lung capacity proportioned 

 to our needs. 



3. Posture. It is impossible 

 for the air to reach all the cor- 

 ners of the lungs if the shoul- 

 ders are curved over or forward. 

 The shoulders must be kept 

 back to give the chest a chance 

 to expand freely. However, 

 good posture is not merely a 

 matter of correct form; it is 

 closely related to a person's 

 spirit or attitudes (see Fig. 143 ) . 

 It is probably true that in most 

 cases a boy or girl w^ho stands 

 up to the w^orld joyfully and 

 courageously will automat- 

 ically (i) maintain correct 

 posture, (2) breathe correctly, 

 and (3) use the voice correctly. 

 In many cases, however, we 

 get into bad habits early in life, 

 and these have to be corrected. 



Moreover, in many cases the lack of joy or of courage probably 

 results from defective posture brought about by neglect during 

 the early years. At any rate, breathing and many of the other 

 important bodily functions are closely related to the individ- 

 ual's state of mind, and all have to be right together. 



138. Clothing. Clothing that cramps the ribs or the waist restrains 

 proper breathing. Tight corsets and belts do not cause one to suffocate, 

 but they do prevent one from breathing deeply, using the diaphragm as 

 well as the rib muscles. Tight lacing is likely also to have an injurious 

 effect upon the liver, the stomach, and the intestines. 



Fig. 87. Adenoid growths 



In the passage between the nostrils and 

 the pharynx, p, shapeless masses of tis- 

 sue, a, sometimes grow out, obstructing 

 the movement of air from the nose and 

 leading to mouth breathing. When ade- 

 noid growths are present they should be 

 removed bj^ a physician. The operation 

 is simple and safe. I is the larynx, or 

 voice box 



