408 PRACTICAL HYGIENE 



is to weaken certain organs, thereby disturbing the func- 

 tional equilibrium of the body a result that may be 

 brought about either by the overwork of particular organs 

 or by lack of exercise of others. Herein lies the explana- 

 tion of the observed fact that people of the same calling in 

 life have similar diseases. 



A Special Problem for the Brain Worker. Farthest 

 removed from those forms of activity which harmonize 

 with the plan of the body, and which therefore are most 

 hygienic, is that class of workers known as the profes- 

 sional class, or the "brain workers." This class includes 

 not only the members of the learned professions law, 

 medicine, and the ministry but a vast army of business 

 men, engineers, teachers, stenographers, office clerks, etc., 

 a class that is ever increasing as our civilization advances. 

 It is this class in particular that must give attention to 

 those conditions that indirectly, but profoundly, influence 

 the bodily well-being and must seek to obviate if possible 

 such weaknesses as the occupation induces. 



The Remedy lies in two directions that of spending 

 sufficient time away from one's work to allow the body to 

 recover its normal condition, and that of counteracting the 

 effect of the work by special exercise or other means. 

 In many cases the first symptoms of weakness indicate a 

 suitable remedy. Thus exhaustion from overwork sug- 

 gests rest and recreation. The diverting of too much 

 blood from other parts of the body to the brain suggests 

 some form of exercise which will equalize the circulation. 

 If feebleness of the digestive organs is being induced, 

 some natural method of increasing the blood supply to 

 these organs is to be looked for. And effects arising 

 from lack of fresh air and sunlight are counteracted by 

 spending more time out of doors. 



