National Degeneration

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 16, 1916

National Degeneration

In the United States the death rate is steadily diminishing. This is due largely to the lessening of infant mortality. Among adults from thirty to sixty years of age there is a steady tendency toward shortening the period of life. Insurance corporations, recognizing this fact and paying heavily on losses, have been quite active in locating the cause. The conclusion reached is that people at this time of life do not give proper attention to personal hygiene, to some of the simplest and most necessary essentials to health and long life, such as moderation in eating and drinking, proper care of the mouth, teeth, and other organs, with plenty of sleep, regular exercise, and deep breathing. In the mad rush of business and ever-increasing greed for gain, this class neglect themselves, and do those things which make for disease and shorten life.

One of the purposes for which Life and Health was brought into existence was to help this class. It points its readers to the better way, an easier, more pleasurable way to live, and to greater usefulness.

The journal is properly named, for it is indeed life and health to all who follow its teachings. This statement is verified by many who, through gratitude, have taken the trouble personally to thank the editor for his counsels. As a sample of many, we quote one expression of appreciation just received:—

“EDITOR LIFE AND HEALTH: I wrote you last year for a young man that was almost given up to die. The doctors disagreed as to his disease, but he followed your advice, and is now practically well, for which we thank you.”