728 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



bag should contain five to ten pounds of rather fine 

 shot. Such exercises as raising the limbs when lying 

 upon the back, first one and then the other, then both 

 together, are of special value. Exercises of raising 

 the hips are also useful. Raising the head and legs 

 may be practiced at the same time, making a very 

 vigorous exercise, which is of great value. Breathing 

 exercises, which bring into full play the diaphragm 

 and abdominal muscles, are a most excellent means of 

 restoring intestinal activity. 



Measures of treatment of a hygienic character are 

 of far greater utility in these cases than drugs of any 

 sort, for the reason that they do not, like drugs, lose 

 their efficiency in a short time, requiring larger and 

 larger doses and finally failing to act. 



Introduction into the rectum of a small quantity 

 of cold water, half a pint or pint before breakfast, 

 to be retained until after breakfast, is a measure of 

 value. A small, cold enema taken at the regular time 

 for the bowels to move, is better than a large warm 

 enema, as it is a more powerful stimulant to intestinal 

 activity. A small amount of cold water introduced 

 into the rectum at night upon retiring, is a useful meas- 

 ure in cases where the intestinal contents are dry and 

 hard; half a pint or a pint is a sufficient amount. In 

 some cases in which the stools are large and the rectum 

 irritable, an ounce or two of olive or almond oil intro- 

 duced at night or before breakfast is a useful measure. 



If the full enema (see page 710) is required, in 

 obstinate cases, care should be taken not to render its 

 use habitual. 



It must not be forgotten that regularity in attend- 

 ing to the demands of nature is a matter of the utmost 

 consequence in these cases, both as a preventive and 



