Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1877 — Rules for Bathing. [ARTICLE]

Rules for Bathing.

As summer approaches rules for bathing are apropos , Whether in bath-tub, river or ocean, bathing should be accompanied only by pleasurable sensations. The whole body should be kept aglow. If any shiverings or chilly sensations are experienced, either you are not well, the water is not of tlie right temperature, or you are bathing too long. At all events, such feelings are Nature’s warning that you should at once leave the water and give yourself a thorough rubbing with a coarse towel. Bathing, especially swimming, necessitates great muscular activity, therefore in order that digestion may not be interfered with, at least one hour, and better still two or three, should elapse between a hearty meal and bathing. It is easily seen that eleven in the forenoon, four in the afternoon, and just before retiring at night are the best times for bathing. Soue like a cold dash on rising in the morning. Very few, comparatively, can stand such a shock to their nervous systems. Let those who enjoy it, and experience a glow during the operation, continue the practice; but let them be careful how they urge its adoption upon those whose nerves possess a less degree of resistance. Any one desiring to acquire the habit of a cold bath every morning should begin the custom in the warm weather, continuing it during the winter, and not commence it in the latter season. If you are perspiring from walking, rowing or other exercise, as you reach ths place of bathing do not (as some advise) sit down on the bank to cool ofl before entering the water. Doff your clotlies and dash in as soon as possible, only being careful to Keep up the exercise without intermission after you are in the water. In tiiis way you continue the glow which you experienped from the previous exercise. Ten or aj longest fifteen minutes in the water should suffice for the strongest aqueously-inclined urchin. Strive always to leave the water before you feel chilly, or certainly at the first approach of any such sensation, and continue or rekindle the glow by a vigorous rubbing with a coarse towel. Turkish superstition says wet your head thoroughly upon entering the bath; we say do it to prevent rush of blood to the brain, which event may cause death. Finally, as bathing, apparently a simple process, is not without its dangers, we would warn all boys not to begin the practice too early in the season, or to repeat it too often daily. Many have found an early grave by over indulgence, while others nave endured long years of suffering from the obscure effects of excessive

bathing. No physician should con sider it below nis calling to give specific direction to all seeking his aavice as to when and how long they should bathe. —Chrittian Union. ,