TO AVOID RHEUMATISM

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1939, Page 5

TO AVOID RHEUMATISM

SOME THINGS TO BE DONE With many of ns the term rheumatism embraces a multitude of complaints, writes Dr. Irving Cutter in the “Chicago Tribune.” Every ache or pain, every twinge or stab is laid on the doorstep of this malady. Grandpa’s “rheumaticks” gave him something- to talk about; if one of his legs became a bit bothersome he prophesied a change in the weather and all the village learndd of it. Although it is one of our oldest diseases we understand to-day but little more about its cure than we did 100 years ago. The cause has not been identified accurately despite the fact that we have spotted many factors which influence its onset and progress. It has become so much of a national menace that it is receiving almost as much attention as cancer.

Some individuals possess a. positive rheumatic tendency, which seems to run in families. A case developing in one member may be followed by another —a brother or sister becoming the victim. The relationship extends even to cousins. Studies conducted in a few of our large cities show that in cne-third of the households attacked two or more are involved. There are several cogent reasons why we should shun the disorder as we would the plague. While recovery from the initial seizure is the rule, tho aftermath may be a. damaged heart or a crippled frame. One-sixth of the total industrial invalidism of Great Britain is ascribed to this illness and authoritative estimates place England's rheumatism bill at £20,000,000 annually.

A curious characteristic of the infection is that it travels in cycles. In other words there will be a marked increase in the number of sufferers every three to five years. A great majority of the patients will be found among those who are less well clothed than they should bo, who perhaps are under-nourished at times, and who fail to adhere to the rules of good hygiene. Poverty, as such, is not signifigeant as it is in tuberculosis.

The prime climatic consideration isj dampness. Next comes chilling, as it ( is known that the difficulty is far less, prevalent in the tropics. But extreme) cold seems to have as favourable an: effect at heat—-the ailment being rare in the Arctic regions also. We can realise that those latitudes in which quick changes of temperature are likely to occur invite the distemper. Many ; ci' us have experienced a, rapid fall of the mercury on a torrid day with the; wind changing to north or north-east, j With the body unprotected a sense ofi chill may ensue, accompanied by a sharp drop in reserve. In presenting their complaints, patients invariably mention days or weeks of unwonted fatigue. Perhaps sleep had been interfered with and mental worries may have brought about a lowering of physical stamina.

A DANGER SIGNAL Whatever tho origin, the persistence of a. state ot chronic tiredness is a danger sign that should not, be disregarded. While it may signify failure on the part of some vital organ, it carries Hie warning that vitality is .at too low an ebb for safety. 'Phis applies to children and adults alike. In the vonnger group, particularly, the foundations are laid for a type of heart weakness which all too often makes tor incapacity in the fourth and liith decades of life. There is also a close connection witn tonsillitis and throat and nose infections. The causative germ —whatever it mav ho—probably enters the body vie, rhe mouth or the nasal passages. Perhaps it will be proved to be one| of the viruses —which presupposes anj organism like the streptococcus as a trail blazer. At, tho present time medical science has not discovered an antidote. While ihe pain may be allayed, with sat;cvlatos and certain other drugs, iho disease goes merrily on its way until the fi.-.urativc’ fires have burned cut. The n’.ilicted person is then obliged to make a rather slow convaic-s--enee ].'ossii/iy with some injury to the pumping organ or an increased stiffness of the joints.

Basically, then the 'whole matter goes hack to wholesome living; proper care of the. mouth, throat, and nasal passages; and the maintenance of resistance oi a high level.