390 



THE HUMAN MACHINE 



in an upright position. The head nods. This means 

 that the muscles which hold the head relax and the head 

 drops. 



Exercise in moderation is also good for the nerves be- 

 cause it brings oxygen to the blood by causing the heart 

 to pump faster and 

 the lungs to take in 

 more air. This 

 gives the nerves 

 opportunity to get 

 more food and oxy- 

 gen. But do not 

 exercise when tired 

 and do not exercise 

 just before meals, 

 for the blood then 

 has work to do for 

 the digestive tract. 

 Many boys of 

 j unior - high - school 

 age over-exercise in 

 football practice. 



They are growing rapidly and their muscles are not yet 

 ready for such strenuous exercise. Frequently the practice 

 lasts until just before supper time, and they go to a meal 

 feeling fatigued, with the result that they have indigestion. 



Cheerfulness is another important habit for the nervous 

 system. Look upon life from the bright side. If you 

 grouch, it may become a habit, and this affects others as 

 well as yourself. Learn to face problems fairly, not 

 overestimating them or underestimating them. Never 

 use drugs to deaden pain or stimulate the nervous system. 

 Pain is the symptom of faulty running. If it continues, 

 see a doctor. Do not let it continue to lessen the effective- 

 ness of your machine. 



Is this a fair allotment of time for a 7th grader ? 

 How does your own allotment agree with this ? 



