CHAPTER XIX 

 HYGIENE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 



THE far-reaching effects and serious nature of disorders 

 of the nervous system are sufficient reasons for consider- 

 ing carefully those conditions that make or mar its effi- 

 ciency. Controlling all the activities of the body and 

 affecting through its own condition the welfare of all the 

 organs, the hygiene of the nervous system is. in a large 

 measure, the hygiene of the entire body. Moreover, it is 

 known that some of our worst diseases, including paralysis 

 and insanity, are disorders of the nervous system and are 

 prevented in many instances by a proper mode of living. 



The Main Problem. Many of our nervous disorders are 

 undoubtedly due to the age in which we live. Our modern 

 civilization, with all its facilities for human advancement 

 and enjoyment, throws an extra strain upon the nervous 

 system. Educational and social standards are higher than 

 ever before and life in all its phases is more complex. Since 

 we can hardly change the conditions under which we live, 

 and probably would not if we could, we must learn to adapt 

 or adjust ourselves to them so as to secure for the nervous 

 system such relief as it requires. This adjustment is 

 sometimes difficult, even when the actual needs of the 

 nervous system are known. 



The healthful action of the nervous system requires, on 

 the one hand, exercise, but on the other hand, a certain 

 condition of quietude, or poise a state which is directly 

 opposed to that of restlessness.- The conditions of modern 



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