HEALTH NOTES.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 1211, 10 December 1919, Page 2

HEALTH NOTES.

EXERCISE FOR EFFICIENCY. How much exercise is necessary it' the individual wishes to keep at the upper level of efficiency? Results are what count, and not the number of times one shakes up some muscle or other. Moving the various parts is not always benellcial exercise, because more energy may be consumed in the operation than the returns make worth while.

It is an indisputable fact that rnau cannot think or work, or act energetically unless his nerves and muscles work in a free and easy manner. Muscles that, are never used get soft and itabby. When in this condition, they are incapable of responding to the demands matte upon them. This state of affairs demoralises the nerves which control the muscles, so tha| both are irresponsible, and cannot be relied upon to perform their functions in harmony. They do not respond to the needs of the person in an intelligent way.

Now, then, a system of training must be '>ue which hulds the interest: it must be more than a irterc novelty; also it must not savour too strongly of prescription. The dumb-bell idea and the home gymnastics are all very well for a while, just as long as the novelty charms. But how long before they are put aside? First the enthusiast, witli oozing enthusiasm, misses one session with the mental reservation he will make it up tho next time. Then he misses some sessions in a row because company comes or something else interfere. In the end he give it up entirety until reminded by the doctor he must exercise.

Exercise Which "hits tho bull's-eye."

Therefore I do not uggest or recommend an elaborate plan of private gymnasties, because if, soon becomes a forced tiling, and will not accomplish the full purpose intended. The oul.v exercise which is of benefit is one which stimulates the mind. It reaches beyond the muscles and the digestive organs. A tired man obtains no good from indulging in thirty minutes' work with chest weights.

The sort of exercise from which the greatest benefit is derived is one in which the spirit of play and rivalry rnters. Tiiis character of exercise hits the "bull's-eye," because a man likes it for its own sak*\ It is not to be i-c-nsiderod merely for its neuro-mus-cular effect. It reaches the mau*s veryself. Its psychological value is of as much, importance as its physiological effect. Th«' good a man obtains from a horseback ride in the pork is something more than the mere movements which

•■'.une from constant jolting of the di-u-.>^tiv•', organs.

The exhilaration which comes from the fresh air, the stimulus t" the whole system comes from ttie combination of qualities which makes the exercise a profitable, enjoyable and healthy one. Jt is in truth more than the term ex-

•'reise which makes the whole process a worth while one. A man could s!t on a mechanical horse and get the shaking up which is purely the exercise part of the process, but, surely, tho results would not be the same. Tennis is a game which nervous, cx~

citable, overworked people like to play. Y.-t it is the kind of exertion they ought lo avoid. It is too fast, works them too hard, and instead of resting them tires them ..lit.

Rowing, paddling, bowls, tramping—my form of exercise that appeals to a man's Interest and enthusiasm, and which combines a variety of physical movements—belong to ;.':.; Al class of exorcise. However, the busy man cannot go riding every day. He needs recreation at intervals, but as a daily habit it is ou! of the question. Many people well and do their work satisfactorily without taking any form of exercise at all. A man who is careful of the character of his food; eats properly; attends to the requirements of ills bowels; keeps his skin in good order; and provides himself with a fair amount of mental relaxation, goes akmg a fair amount of time without any special exercises. But the man whose mode of living is just the opposite, who works in a badly-ventilated place, or who has a tendency to worry, headaches, or constipation, must have some form of exercise to keep going. The average city 1 business man without any physical impediment* to light against can in all probability get along successfully en such an exercise schedule as the following:— A Sensible Schedule. I.—Five minutes each day of purely muscular exercise, such as «s»c can take easily in "ne's room, without anyspecial apparatus. Five minutes a day does not put a great tax on the eonscience; it is possible the man will keep it. up. This is suggested to keep the external muscles in trim. i. —Short intervals during the day of fresh air. I!si>k walking and deep breathing. This can readily be adjusted to tile duy"s work. It should be possible for every man to walk at least ;{0 minutes a day in the open. This is suggested for head, lungs and digestion.

;i.—The reservation of at least, one day a wuek for rest. It is necessary, to get out. of doors for fttiod of the body ami the mind. A vacation once a week is absolutely necessary for health. The mind cannot concern itself steadily with one line -of Work, and remain efficient. It requires a break to give it fc'shness, spontaneity; and initiative. Thi! man who ties himself down Without giving ids mind and his body A change as suggested above, is making ;< machine of himsujf. Jle ia sacrificing his personality, and all that it may mean for him. Just a little comrnoijseosß will indicate to those interested where the lino is in exercise which separates its use <mi abuse.