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done by the indiscriminate use of drugs and specious quack
medicines. Prevention is much better than cure, and everyone
can act as Nature's assistant, especially in the prevention of
disease by Self-Help. Man is "a bundle of habits" and this
"Self-Help" is simply the formation of good habits by
perseverance and determination. Good habits are most easily
formed during childhood and adolescence, hence the great
importance of proper guidance by parents and teachers.
WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO LIVE.
The good habits necessary for the healthy enjoyment of life
and work include the following:
Avoidance of excesses of all kinds.
Sufficient food, unadulterated and undeteriorated by the
removal of essential vitamines, in fair variety inclusive of fresh
vegetables or fruit. If properly masticated appetite will
generally indicate the amount.
The regular daily attention to Nature's call in order to
prevent constipation.
As the water contained in food is not as much as that
excreted by the skin, lungs and kidneys, a sufficiency of liquid,
in the form of good drinking water, tea, coffee, etc., is required.
Fresh air by means of well ventilated and lighted rooms,
bedrooms, workrooms, and places of indoor amusement and
exercise, or work in the open air.
Cleanliness of body, clothing, homes and workrooms and
extermination of all insect pests, such as lice, fleas, etc., which
are the cause of many diseases.
Activity of body and mind.
Strenuous exercise, short of undue fatigue, whether at work
or play, the latter especially by means of games in the open air;
or drill, dancing, etc., in well ventilated rooms.
Healthy clothing to maintain the temperature of the body,
sufficiently porous to allow evaporation from the skin; loose
enough to allow complete freedom of movement and avoidance
of tightness; and varying in amount and kind (especially the
underclothing) according to the climate.
Sound, strong well fitting boots to keep the feet warm,
comfortable and dry.
Sufficient sleep, Nature's sweet restorer, especially in wellventilated
bedrooms.
Healthy recreations by change of work, good literature, etc.,
varying with the person's occupation.
By this Self-Help each one will not only promote his own
healthy enjoyment of life and work, but also assist the welfare
of his family and the community, and the forming of an
enlightened public opinion which will lead to enduring peace,
goodwill, and the highest civilisation.