CHAPTER XXXVI 

 PROTECTION AGAINST DISEASE 



The true athlete considers it a matter of loyalty to him- 

 self and to his school to keep himself physically fit. Only 

 thus can he give the best of himself for those he represents 

 upon the ball field or track. It should be just as much a 

 matter of loyalty to ourselves, to our country and to our 

 future work, that we build up strength of body and of 

 nerves to keep our blood clean and our heads clear. 



We are thrilled, and rightly, at the accomplishments of 

 some man or woman who does great things in spite of 

 serious physical handicaps. They should ever be an inspira- 

 tion to us, for they emphasize what great achievements an 

 added capital of sound health should make possible. 



We may have to work long and hard to accumulate 

 money. Health we may begin to accumulate at once. 

 The younger we are when we start, the better. It is 

 in our power to store in our bodies energy and strength, 

 and capacity to resist disease in the future. Good habits 

 in protecting and building health, steadily continued, will 

 bring their own reward in more and better work, in 

 greater success, and in greater joy in life. 



It needs no argument to prove the importance of good health. 

 Upon its possession depend not only power to work well but also 

 ability to enjoy life. All other factors that lead to happiness are 

 of slight account in comparison with health. Good health improves 

 physical appearance, increases power of attraction and tends to 

 prolong life and to insure racial vigor. Sickness, on the other 

 hand, has opposite effects and not only results in unhappiness 

 but is also a source of great expense. 



Causes of Disease. Among the causes of disease are errors 

 in diet ; fatigue caused by overwork, worry and fear ; contact with 

 poisonous substances ; and especially the presence in the body of 

 microorganisms and other larger parasites. 



Errors in Diet. In the diets of most people there are errors 

 that tend to produce ill health. It is a well known fact that 



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