Foods and home making

What causes colds ? Colds are contagious. When we come in contact with people having colds we may “ catch cold.” Colds may be caused by bacteria entering the nose and throat. If we are tired, are constipated, have eaten unwholesome food or too much food, or have had too little sleep, the bacteria in the nose and throat begin to grow and multiply rapidly. When one has a cold, the nose becomes red and “ runs ” ; the eyes water ; sometimes the throat is sore. This is because more blood than usual rushes to the nose, eyes, and throat for the purpose of stopping the growth of bacteria. How can colds be prevented? Colds not only make us feel very miserable, but lead to serious disease. We should make an effort to follow habits of living that will result in our avoiding colds. 1. Breathe plenty of fresh air. Have you ever noticed that there are many more colds in winter than in summer? This is because there is such a difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures that the body is easily chilled. If the house is kept cool, 68° F., there is less danger of chilling the body. Persons sleeping with closed windows are more likely to catch cold than those who sleep with open windows. 473 Keeping Well 2. Have regular bowel movements. When the wastes of the body are not carried away as they should be, one is more likely to take cold. 3. Eat wholesome foods. Sweets such as candy and pastry, if eaten at all, should be eaten sparingly and only at the close of meals. 4. Drink plenty of water. Water is needed, as has been explained, to prevent constipation. 5. Bathe often. Some people recommend cold baths as a preventive of colds. The skin stimulation resulting from cold baths helps to pre- vent chilling. 6. Exercise , especially outdoors. When we exercise, our circulation is improved. If our circulation is good, we are less likely to become chilled when we go outdoors or get in a draft. 7. Wear clothing suitable for the weather. It is possible to catch cold because of too thin clothing or too heavy clothing. Damp clothing, especially wet shoes and stockings, may cause a cold. Always change the shoes and stockings when they get wet. When the body is chilled, it is less able to protect itself from bacteria causing a cold. Is cleanliness necessary for health? The need of bathing often has been mentioned. Cleaning teeth also has been dis- cussed. It is important to have clean hands. They should be washed before each meal to remove all sorts of bacteria which may be present. The hands should be washed also after you go to the toilet. Clean finger nails are necessary for good appearance and for cleanliness. Bacteria may lodge in the dirt underneath the nails. Dirty hair is most unattractive. To keep the scalp clean and healthy, hair should he washed at least twice a month. Clean clothes , especially clean underwear, are essential to health. It is important to carry and use a clean handkerchief. SUMMARY Some essentials for health are: 1. Frequent bathing 2. Clean and sound teeth 3. Plenty of sleep 474 Health and Child Care 4. Fresh air both day and night ; sunshine daily whenever possible 5. Exercise, especially outdoors 6. Wholesome food including plenty of milk, vegetables, and fruits 7. From four to six glasses of water daily 8. A bowel movement every day Constipation may usually be prevented by: 1. Drinking plenty of water