p. 14 | Suggestions for Keeping Cool

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

Suggestions for Keeping Cool

By Olive P. Ingersoll, M. D.

OLIVE P. INGERSOLL, M. D.

THE feeling of general weakness and exhaustion which comes over a person in extremely hot weather is one of nature's demands for relaxation. The great secret of health during the summer months is to eat little, drink reasonably of good, pure water, work moderately, and let go all nerve tension. This last is of paramount importance.

Our bodies maintain practically a uniform temperature the year round, in spite of changes in the surrounding atmosphere. This is accomplished by a heat-regulating center, which is located

in the upper part of the spinal cord. This center keeps the heat production and heat elimination of the body properly balanced.

But there are many things that we can and should do to cooperate with nature in the work of adjusting the body machinery to the various changes to which it is subjected. For example, lessen the total amount of food, especially those articles which are readily oxidized, or burned, in the body to produce heat. Among these the fats and oily foods are chief.

Next, minimize the expenditure of energy. This does not mean to sit around and do nothing, but it does mean to pursue an even course, so far as possible; calmly and quietly to do such work as is necessary, both physical and mental, and to conscientiously refrain from getting excited or wrought up from any cause whatever. Never fume because the weather is hot. It only adds fuel to the fire. Neither should one expend energy in the mere effort to keep cool. Wandering around in search of a cool place or vigorously fanning oneself increases the heat produced. Do not spend physical or mental energy watching the mercury in the thermometer. It does not affect the weather, and it does make you warmer. You can afford to take the newspaper account of this.

As to simple treatments that will help one to keep cool, the most effectual are the following:—

In the early morning, when it is cool, slowly and easily sponge off with cold water. Do not rub hard or rapidly. Dry the skin with as little friction as possible.

In the heat of the day, or in the early evening, nothing is quite so refreshing as a hot sponge bath. Have the water as hot as can be borne by the hand, and, with a soft cloth, lightly sponge the entire body. Dry and powder without friction. A hot foot-bath just before retiring at night is very comforting. Hot treatments should be short in duration and the movements slow, in order to get the proper reactive effects that are cooling. After the treatment is finished, rest for a while, if possible, in a cool room—at least as cool as is available.

The warm-air bath is another very comfortable way of getting cool. Of course, a cabinet of some kind is preferable for this; but if one cannot be obtained, much the same effects can be realized by exposing the skin of the body to as hot air as can be found in the hottest room in the house. Even the direct rays of the sun are agreeable, but care should be taken not to expose the head or upper part of the spine to the direct rays of the hot sun. All other parts of the body may be exposed. Follow with a tepid or warm sponge bath without friction.

The principal diseases that are troublesome in the hot weather are of the digestive tract. This is doubtless due to the facts that foods decompose much more readily in hot weather than in cold, and that many people drink large quantities of ice-water with their meals, which is a very injurious habit. It is much better not to drink at all while eating. Drinking freely between meals of water that is tested, or boiled, will obviate many difficulties.

Any tendency to diarrhea should be promptly taken in hand by leaving off all food for at least twenty-four hours, and thoroughly cleansing the bowels by a hot enema. A little cooked starch added to the water for the enema renders it more soothing. When food is taken, starch in some form is best, either corn-starch, arrowroot, or oatmeal, prepared in a gruel with hot milk. Browned rice gruel is a very good food for patients thus suffering. There should be no haste in returning to the regular diet after the attack is over. If the trouble does not subside readily, at least within twenty-four hours, the services of a doctor should be obtained. If the patient is a baby under two years of age, the doctor's advice should be sought at once, as soon as the diarrhea is noticed, as it is a very fatal trouble in cases of infants.

On the whole, the summer months should be as health-giving as any months of the year. Everybody should join the campaign against the flies and mosquitoes, by observing the strictest cleanliness about their premises, keeping all garbage covered until it is properly disposed of. Out-of-door life, working in gardens, etc., together with the above suggestions carried out, should enable every individual, under ordinary conditions, to pass a healthful and pleasant summer-time.

Richmond, Va.