Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1891 — Helpful Ailments. [ARTICLE]

Helpful Ailments.

The value’of cow-pox, voluntarily' induced, as a protection against smallpox, is generally recognized. The' same principle has been successfully extended to some of the worst diseases among animals, and it is expected that it maj’ yet be applied in the case of some virulent human diseases. In England gout is a very prevalent and painful disease. In this country it is less common. Our climate inclines us to excessive mental activity. As a result of this the brain appropri-, ates nervous force at the expense of digestive system, and so disposes us to dyspepsia; but dyspepsia compels its victims, in spite of themselves, to indulge somewhat sparingly in rich food, in the too free eating of which gout originates. Of the two diseases, dyspepsia is to be preferred. It seldom interferes with the day’s work, and, except in very obstinate cases, is almost certain Co be relieved by proper diet and exercise. Sick headache may often be counted in the class of helpful ailments, though it is a “bitter pill.” There are two forms of it: cne has its primary source in the brain, the other in the stomach. In both cases there is commonly some hereditary tendency to the disease, but the exciting cause is overwork; of the brain'in one case, of the stomach in the other. The headaches necessitate »cCasional rest, while the dread of them acts as a constant check upon ten-

dencies which might otherwise result in grave harm. Indeed, attention to diet, with a little letting down of the average cerebral activity, professional, business or domestic, willgenerally insure a comparative immunity from attack. Acute rheumatism often gives rise to permanent heart trouble. Chronic rheumatism, on the contrary, may be healthful in cases of heart disease. For instance, enlargement of the heart tends to increase Until it reaches the dangerous limit. The patient’s safety depends largely on his training himself to such habits as reduce strain on the heart, rheumatic joints in the lower limbs are an admirable aid in this respect. The former rapid movements cease. A fatal running to meet the cars or the ferryboat is out of the question. The rheumatism is an uncomfortable companion, no doubt, but it may help to a long life—a decade«or more, perhaps, beyond the three-score and ten.—Youth’s Companion.