472 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



of their sexual health by rest during the menstrual 

 period. At those seasons they invariably absent them- 

 selves from the lodge, and enjoy absolute rest. We 

 may readily suppose, from the nature of some of the 

 Mosaic laws, that a custom somewhat similar prevailed 

 among the ancient Hebrew women. If the hardy women 

 of the forest are benefited by rest, certainly our more 

 delicate civilized women may be thus benefited. All 

 need a degree of rest; with some it should be absolute. 



Criminal Carelessness.— The reckless manner in 

 which some young women treat themselves at the men- 

 strual period, is quite appallmg to one who is ac- 

 quainted with the painful and inveterate character of 

 the evils which arise from such abuse. It is no un- 

 common thing for young ladies to attend balls, visit 

 skating-rinks, and otherwise expose themselves to 

 influences in every way the best calculated to do them 

 the most harm at this particular period, observing not 

 the slightest precaution. Such recklessness is really 

 criminal; and the sad consequences of physical trans- 

 gression are sure to follow. A young lady who allows 

 herself to get wet or chilled, just prior to or during 

 menstruation, runs the risk of imposing upon herself 

 lifelong injury. Mothers should look carefully after 

 their daughters at these periods, and impress upon 

 them the importance of special care. 



3. A third hint, which is applicable to both sexes 

 and at all times, is the necessity of attending promptly 

 to the demands of nature for the relief of bowels and 

 bladder. Schoolgirls are often very negligent in this 

 respect; and we have seen the most distressing cases 

 of disease entirely attributable to this disregard of the 

 promptings of nature. Obstinate constipation and 

 chronic irritation of the bladder are common effects. 



