HEALTH HINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 303, 20 December 1913, Page 15

HEALTH HINTS.

A SAFE HAIR-RESTOKER. Grey hair is a crown of glory when its advent coincides with advancing years, but in middle aged people it often means loss of situation. Hence the call for hair restorers which are simply slow acting dyes. This is a transparent variety, and the best:—Acetate of lead, one drachm; saturated solution of hyposulphite of sodium, a sufficiency; glycerine, one ounce; rectified spirit, half an ounce; rose water to twenty ounces. PAROXYSMS OF SXEEZIKG. Paroxysmal sneezing is frequently associated with Bevere running of the nose, and is closely allied to hay fever. In all such cases it is wise ±0 have the nasal mucous membrane carefully cauterised to remove any thickened tissue, or to take away spurs or deviations of the septum. In many cases, however, even after this is done, the trouble remains, just as often after removal of the appendix pain persists, and this is because the original conditions which set up the trouble are still in operation. Such cases can always obtain relief—at least of a temporary character —by the use of nasal sprays containing cocain or adrenalin chloride solutions, but this relief is purchased dearly, for in all cases not only is a dangerous drug habit established, but the condition is perpetuated fourfold. When the trouble is really due to hay fever the serum called potlantin should always be tried. This is an anti-toxin obtained from horses which have been rendered immune by the injection of the toxins obtained from certain grasses. A few drops of this inserted into the eyes and nose will prevent —or at any rate diminish—the severity of the attacks in many people, without producing deleterious effects. Snuffs of bismuth, morphia, and such like are worse than useless. Probably no better treatment could be found than the persistent use of the method for nasal catarrh, i.e., soloid bicarbonate of sodium compound, and then painting the nostrils with the following ointment: Menthol, five grains; tannic acid, five grains; eucalyptus oil, half a drachm; vaseline, one ounce. In all cases the nervous system is very hypersensitive a-nd excitable, and this can be much improved by the use of this pill or tablet: One grain each of valerianate of quinine, iron, and zinc, v .hree times a day. TREATMEXT OF VARICOSE YEIXS. Varicose veins are simply the ordinary veins, generally of the lower limbs, stretched out and widened by excessive pressure inside t'pem. This may be produced by an inherently weak vein, by

'.ight garters, by constipation, or other obstruction to the return flow of the blood. However produced, they are by no means easy to cure, although, fortunately, in many cases no appreciable discomfort is produced by their presence, even when they are quite large, and for these cold bathing and rubbing should suifiee. Recently (writes an English doctor) I met a most active man of sixty-two years of age, who had been for thirty-eight years a vegetarian. 1 have rarely seen such a virile specimen of manhood, or such a beautiful dancer of the Highland Fling, as well as the more modern square and circle dances. He told mc he took up the subject of dancing as a relief from more serious work, and was astonished to find that when he began to practise it his rather troublesome varicose veins not only ceased to worry him. but began to get smaller. He also added that, in addition to this, he used to apply a wet flannel bandage to his leg beneath an elastic bandage. I give the information for what it i» worth, but an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory. In those cases where great fatigue is felt after walking or prolonged standing, nnd there is a sense of- fullness and heaviness in the limb, all garters, etc., should be forbidden, as well as prolonged standing, and a well-fitting silk elastic stocking should be worn. Some exercise should also be indulged in, and nothing seems to answer as well as cycling, unless dancing be tried. Recently the leg ambient has been utilised in the treatment of varicose veins, and there is no doubt that it is of gTeat value in cases below the knee, but rarely in those above the knee. In tbese cases, and in severe cases below the knee, there is little doubt that the best treatment consists in removing them by operation, which in modern practice ia most successful.