CHAPTER XXIII 

 THE GENERAL PROBLEM OF KEEPING WELL 



"To cure was the voice of the Past : to prevent is the divine whispering of 

 To-day." 



As stated in the introduction to our study, the funda- 

 mental law of hygiene is the law of harmony : Habits of 

 living must harmonize with the plan of the body. Having 

 acquainted ourselves with the plan of the body, we may 

 now review briefly those conditions that help or hinder its 

 various activities. The hygiene already presented in con- 

 nection with the study of the various organs may be con- 

 densed into general rules, or laws, as follows : 



1. Of exercise: Exercise daily the important groups of 

 muscles. 



2. Of form : Preserve the natural form of the body. 



3. Of energy: Observe regular periods of rest and 

 exercise and avoid exhaustion. 



4. Of nutriment: Eat moderately of a well-cooked and 

 well-balanced diet and drink freely of pure water. 



5. Of respiration: Breathe freely and deeply of pure 

 air and spend a part of each day out of doors. 



6. Of nervous poise: Suppress wasteful and useless 

 forms of nervous activity, avoid nervous strain, and prac- 

 tice cheerfulness. 



7. Of cleanliness: Keep the body and its immediate 

 surroundings clean. 



8. Of restraint: Abstain from the unnecessary use of 



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