How to Avoid Colds by A. B. Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1911

How to Avoid Colds

By A. B. Olsen

A. B. OLSEN, M. D.

To avoid colds one must cultivate an active outdoor life and abstemious habits. Breathe plenty of fresh air, and breathe deeply. Avoid sedentary habits. Be active. Engage in manual labor or physical exercises daily. The woodman working out-of-doors in the coldest weather does not take cold. He is immune because of the pure, fresh air that he breathes and of his muscular work.

Coddling is a sure means of inviting colds. Hovering over the fire-grate in the close, foul air of an ill-ventilated room is another means of bringing on a cold. One need not toast himself over the fire in order to keep warm. A brisk walk will soon stir the sluggish blood stream and quicken the circulation, sending the warmth tingling into the very finger-tips.

When cold, attend to the internal fires. What sort of fuel are you providing them? Is it rich in heat-producing properties? or will it merely tickle the palate?

The efficiency of a fire depends on the quality of the fuel and the draft. What we call food is the fuel of the human engine, and breathing fresh air supplies the draft.

Cold Hands

If your hands and feet are cold most of the time, if you shiver with cold chills, if you have difficulty in keeping comfortably warm, it is because your internal fires are smothered, and so fail to supply you with sufficient heat. Poor food has been supplied, or you have failed to provide sufficient fresh air.

Therefore, the solution of the problem is simple: Take only plain, wholesome, but nourishing food,—food that will make good fuel, such as fruit of all kinds, both fresh and stewed, nuts and nut preparations, grains and breads, vegetables, and the dairy products; exercise daily in the fresh air, and have your rooms well ventilated day and night.

Dress equably, and sufficiently to keep warm. Wear warm shoes with thick soles. Women especially should do this. Avoid damp beds as you would the plague. Protect yourself in a reasonable way from the cold and wet and storm. Shun overheated rooms. Be active, and live a simple, natural, wholesome life. Lastly, keep the skin active by some kind of daily cold bath.

Caterham, England.