Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1889 — How to Avoid Pneumonia. [ARTICLE]

How to Avoid Pneumonia.

The best cure for pneumonia is an ounce of prevention, Nasal obstruction and enlarged tonsils should receive immediate attention and radical treatment when necess iry. The nose has within its channels elements sot; clearing the air of foreign particles and warming it for the lungs. Any nasal occlusion compels the air to be taken in by the mouth—a most pernicious habit th t of necessity affects tho general health, causing narrowing of the chest, premature decay of tho teeth, and limits the air supply and lung capacity. Whoever breathes through the mouth Invites pneumonia. It is of the greatest importance that every inch of lung tissue should be in a relatively perfect condition the sum of all tho little spaces where air moets the blood is equal to the enormous area of 150 square yards. Each breath may be bringing in from the external atmosphere all manner of deleterious material, seeking somo weak spot to gain a foothold. This weak spot can not exist without danger to health. The entire blood current comes to the lungs to obtain from the outside world the life-giving principle. This 150 yards of tissue requires a supply of pure oxygen over 1,000 times every hour. When children play, race and romp the lungs are filled in every part, and this very exorcise of filling them strengthens their substance. Brisk walking, with deep inspirations aud the mouth closed, helps s|reep but the, products of waste. Everything that expands the chest, as tennis, bowling, rowing, fencing, etc., is an antidots to possilo phoumonia. —Medical Classics.