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4
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.
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 N ature'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 well ventilated
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.