Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1905 — ONE CAUSE OF ILLNESS. [ARTICLE]

ONE CAUSE OF ILLNESS.

Ridiculous Fnila That Spring From a Smattering of Knowledge. t A famous physician upon being asked recently what is the chief cause of ill health replied: Thinking and talking about it all the time. This ceaseless introspection in which so many of the rising generation of nervous folk indulge is certainly wearing them out. When they are not worrying as to whether they sleep too much or too little they are fidgeting over the amount of food they take or the quantity of exercise necessary for health. In short, they never give themselves a moment’s peace. Our grandfathers did not concern themselves with these questions. They ate, drank, slept, ns nature prompted them. Undoubtedly they were healthier in mind and body for their sublime indifference, and if wo asked ourselves fewer questions we should have less time to analyze or imagine ailments. That medical science has made remarkable progress in the last few decades cannot lie denied. The fault for some present day undesirable conditions lies not with the doctor, but with the patient. There lias been too great a tendency on the part of the laity to acquire a smattering of medical knowledge through the reading of so called “health” magazines and pamphlets and to put into practice on their own account that “little knowledge,” which, it cannot be denied, is a “dangerous thing.” The following of some most ridiculous fads along the 'ines of eating, drinking, sleeping and exercise has assisted in swelling the mortality statistics. Our grandfathers would hold up their hands in horror at many of the foolish things we do in the name of “health.” A little more of the comfortable nonchalance of our healthy ancestors would do no harm to the rising generation.—Housekeeper.