p. 14 | Proper Clothing for the Winter by D. H. KRESS, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

Proper Clothing for the Winter

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

THE temperature of the blood when it reaches the skin is found to be about 98.4° F., in a person who is in good health. The temperature of the liver, stomach, and other internal organs where oxidation is most active, is several degrees higher. The healthy action of digestion and nutrition depends largely upon the maintenance of normal temperature of the internal organs. When the temperature becomes high, as in simple fevers, the mouth becomes dry; the secretions on which the digestion of food depends are diminished. Indigestion results if food is taken.

The internal temperature is largely controlled by external impressions of heat and cold. The skin has innumerable small blood vessels running through it, so fine that they can scarcely be seen by the naked eye, and so close together that it is impossible to prick the skin at any point without striking one of these minute structures and drawing blood. Each one of these small capillaries or blood vessels has a small nerve accompanying it, which is connected with the great sympathetic nervous system through which the blood supply is regulated.

The blood coming from the internal organs to the skin naturally gives off some of its heat, then it returns and cools the viscera. Impressions of heat cause the peripheral vessels to dilate, thus permitting a greater volume of blood to come to the surface for cooling. Impressions of cold upon the skin cause a contraction of the surface vessels in order to maintain the normal internal temperature. Whether a person lives in the cold arctic region or in the intense heat of the tropics, the temperature of the body internally is practically about the same.

Sudden and violent changes of external impressions, while they are less likely to harm the one who keeps his blood pure, should be avoided, as a rule. This is

done through the agency of clothing. To protect the first pair from the sudden changes in temperature which they were compelled to encounter after they were driven from Eden, the record tells us that the Lord made them coats of skins, and clothed them.

Animal wool is the most natural covering for the skin in cold weather. Being a nonconductor, it prevents the heat of the body from passing off too quickly, thus preventing chilliness. While all woolen garments absorb moisture from the skin, they do not absorb it into their fiber. If loosely woven, they allow the moisture from the skin to pass off without producing external chilliness or internal congestion.

Linen and cotton take up the moisture from the body in a similar way that blotting paper absorbs ink. The moisture is absorbed into the actual fiber. Being good conductors, evaporation takes place quickly. When exposed to a draft or sudden change in temperature while perspiring, the surface of the body is likely to become chilled. Congestion of the internal organs may be produced. This frequently results in disturbance of the function of every cell of the body.

An unbalanced circulation is associated with all human ills, and to equalize the circulation is one of the purposes of all treatments. But while treatments may accomplish this, the causes of the disturbed and unbalanced circulation must be removed also. Proper clothing of the body, and especially of those parts most remote from the heart, must therefore receive attention. During the cold weather the feet and legs should especially be kept warm. Much of the pain suffered by young women, and many of the pelvic disorders that are becoming so common, are due to the congestion of these organs, resulting from wearing low, thin-soled shoes and thin stockings. Colds in children can usually be prevented by giving a little extra care to the proper clothing of their legs and feet.