How to Prevent Colds by Dr. Dio Lewis

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 4, 1863

How to Prevent Colds.

By Dr. Dio Lewis

THOSE who have consumptive taints should protect themselves against colds. The most effective means in securing this protection is bathing and friction. While the surface has a vigorous circulation, colds are impossible. The cold bath, with the use of rough towels, flesh brushes and hair-gloves, contributes most effectually to the maintenance of such a circulation. Avoidance of hot drinks is another important preventive measure.

The usual draughts of coffee and tea produce much susceptibility to colds. Consumptives should, for this reason, use cold drinks. Sleeping and sitting in well-ventilated rooms is another most important prophylactic means. Furnace heated and unventilated houses create a liability to colds, to say nothing of the direct influence of the vitiated air. Many colds are taken through the feet. A frequent cold-water foot-bath, with sharp friction and slapping with the hands, can scarcely be overrated. Stamping the feet, or, if so circumstanced that the noise is objectionable, standing on one foot and kicking with the other, in many directions, in the air, greatly improves the circulation.—Dr. Dio Lewis.