Page:Australian enquiry book of household and general information.djvu/151



HERE is no greater blessing in this world than perfect health. When one bears this in mind the wonder is so many foolish people are to be seen and heard of every day, who are doing their utmost to lose this great blessing. It would be almost impossible to enumerate all the ill-habits to which people are liable, but we can mention a few rules which go a long way towards securing health. First and foremost of these comes—be regular in habit, rise directly you wake, take a cold bath or shower if you can stand it, if not, a tepid bath, as it is actually necessary for health that the whole of the body is cleansed every day, or twice a day. Follow the bath by friction with a rough towel, after that if you have time massage for twenty minutes the whole of the body. This will soon take away any nerve troubles that may be hanging about one. Let your first meal consist of ripe fruit and as early as possible, after which take a short sharp walk for half an hour, or less if you fear fatigue or have to go to business after breakfast. Let your breakfast be plain and wholesome. A plate of oatmeal porridge with milk, an egg lightly boiled, or a chop or steak grilled or fried. Don't drink too much with your meal, one cup of good coffee, cocoa, or tea is sufficient. Keep the feet well protected from cold and damp, and if at all inclined to chest troubles wear flannel underwear all the year round. Dinner in the middle of the day is best for those who are inclined to be delicate at all, but as this is not always convenient to men of business they should have a light lunch at midday, a bit of bread and cheese, or plate of vegetable soup, fish or something equally light. In hot climates I believe people are the better for having