GOOD HEALTH by John Nevins Andrews

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 25, 1878

GOOD HEALTH.

By John Nevins Andrews

Colds May Be Avoided.

WE will not say that colds can invariably be prevented, but we do say that in the great majority of cases this is not only possible, but entirely practicable. Persons whose stomachs are not deranged by improper food, nor by irregularity in eating between meals, and whose skin is kept clean and properly toned by judicious use of water of a proper temperature, and whose clothing does not impede the circulation, but gives to every part of the system reasonable protection from the weather especially keeping the feet dry and warm, and allowing the head to be cool, such persons are in that condition which will not readily take on a cold, but will enable them to resist its attack. With discreet management they may, under all ordinary circumstances, wholly avoid colds. The writer speaks not simply as a theorist, but as one who has had an experience that has been valuable and instructive to himself. He knows very well that circumstances do arise which compel even the strictest and most careful persons to expose themselves to the danger of colds. And he has learned also that if this be at a time of great exhaustion from over-labor, it is then nearly impossible to resist such attacks. And while he would not recommend to any that they bring themselves to this condition, for it is certainly not the principles of health, which justify and even constrain us to this state of extreme weariness. Unavoidable exposure when we are thus exhausted is one of those things which make colds nearly impossible to be resisted. But the most of the colds which prevail are quite unnecessary and with proper care in regard to the laws of health may be wholly avoided. If chilly, and you feel the need of protection, put on extra clothing. Do not make a great change; but a moderate one, and you will at once be relieved. When you find yourself in a draft of air, get out of it. No matter how refreshing a cool breeze may be to you, do not sit down in it for a moment. I mean when you are in the house; for under proper circumstances this may be done with impunity in the open air. If you are in a place of assembly and are thus exposed, put on your hat and overcoat or shawl, or better yet, move out of the draft. If your clothes are even slightly wet when you come in to sit down, change them for dry ones. If you have no dry ones, keep walking till those you have on are dried. Be determined that you will not take cold. Getting wet is not dangerous if we change our clothes as soon as we cease our active exercise.

Use good common-sense. Learn how to live without colds. Learn how easy under ordinary circumstances it is to resist their approach or even to repel them when they have gained some advantage over you. These things are worthy of your thoughtful observation. Set up your will that you will not come under the power of this unpleasant evil, and maintain that determination with a wise use of simple common-sense means.

J. N. A.