Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1875 — Clothing the Sick. [ARTICLE]

Clothing the Sick.

Proper clothing is of the utmost importance to every invalid; and the best clothing is that which is best adapted for this purposei For this reason woolen or silk is superior to cotton or linen in the cold seasons. Yet we do not advise woolen to la? warn next the skin, because of its irritating qualities. Cotton flannel drawers and undershirts are superior in this respect; but woolen outer garments, and even, woolen socks, are better than cotton or linen. The color of clothing has much to do with its healthfulness. No invalid can justify himself in wearing colored clothing next the skin. The dye Is usually more or less absorbed, and is always injurious, frequently poisonous. Indeed, we question its propriety, on the score of health, at any time or in any place. True, black absorbs and retains heat, while white reflects it, giving to white a less heat-retain-ing quality than black; yet, nevertheless, white or light-colored clothing we consider superior to dark color. For summer weather there is no question as to its superiority, nor for inner garments. The limbs and extremities claim from every invalid and physician especial attention. Not one inyafid in a thousand succeeds in having his feet, legs, hands and arms well clad. Among women the dress usually worn isjmjfrageous, considered from the standpojptr ot health, and among men it is only a little less so. The central portions of the body are overburdened often with clothing, while the limbs are almost always insufficiently clad. The shoes are thin, stockings delicate, pants fine, and- only lined around the waist, w hile over abdomen and loins the clothing is doubled or trebled. How can anyone expect to regain health under such circumstances ? Health depends upon a balanced circulation, and the blood circulates from within. As power begjns to diminish the circulation failß in the extremities and the blood is retained in and about the central organs. Clothing retains heat and heat retains blood; so where most clothin; is there, other things being equal, th. most blood will be found. To call blood into the extremities and external capillaries is one of the important objects of all good treatment, mid proper clothing is a necessary adjunct. Let no one fear that his limbs will be too well clad; let him rather remember the old physician’s advice: Keep the feet warm, the head cool and the bowels free and you will have no need of a physician.— Science of Health.