PHYSICAL CULTURE FOR CHILDREN
The working towards the attainment of these measurements, even if they are not reached, will cause the blood to circulate through every part of the body; and thus benefit every muscle over which the brain has control.
Not all of us know that deep and forced respirations will keep the entire body in a glow in the coldest weather no matter how thinly one may be clad. A physician declares this to be a fact worth remembering—he was himself half frozen to death one night; and began taking deep breaths, and keeping the air in his lungs as long as possible. The result was that he was thoroughly comfortable in a few minutes. The deep respirations stimulate the blood current by direct muscular exertion, and cause the entire system to become pervaded with the rapidly generated heat.
Dr. Parkes wisely states that when a group of muscles: is exercised too much they will, after growing to a great size, waste away. This does not seem to be the case when they are alternately used.
Art in clothing fosters a decline in physical perfection. Strip adults, and the stream of walking skeletons or clumsy fat objects would disgust you, as would the seeing of a poor sickly skin-and-bone horse.
The blood, by the moderate use of such agents as exercise, plain food, bathing and the full use of fresh air and sunshine and sleep, is raised to a high standard of purity, vigor and strength.
An inactive bodily life weakens the growth, and it is soft and tender and gives disease a strong power over a body that is so weak in its resisting power.
Don't steal for mental power the nerve force requisite for building up blood, bone and muscle. Let up on brain-work, or disease low in grade and difficult to treat will result.
Late hours connected with hard work and the use of stimulants and a rich diet will destroy the tone of the nerves, and bring on an early old age.
Nature's remedies—can be almost obtained without money; simply use them and they heal and keep; they consist of pure air, exercise, bathing, sunlight, fasting, plain food, loose clothing, and a trusting spirit.
It is conceded that one person, in a close room of ordinary size will poison the air at the rate of a gallon per minute.
The lower part of the chest is always broad, full and deep when89
