HEALTH NOTES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 October 1928, Page 7

HEALTH NOTES

MUSCULAR EXERCISE. LENGTHENS LIFE. (Contributed liv the Depart incut of Health.) Jhe liie of the* person in the factory is becoming more and more what it has been for the clerk for a number of years, requiring less and less muscular activity, states an overseas bulletin. Su. h a delation in the mode oJ' life has many advantages; but -unless compensations are made -they will ultimately have a bad effect on the health of the nation. This does not mean that women shall he put hack to spinning "heels and men again resort to the use of flails. Other measures must he taken to develop muscular strength, especially that of the large muscles necessary to maintain tile health and strength of the heart and lungs, and of the digestive, excretory and nervous systems. An hour should he given daily to exercise and recreation tending to keep the muscular system in tone: anything less than that will result in deterioration. The narrow view that conceives man as giving all his time to work, and only a pittance to recreation and exercise, restricts the range and scope of human happiness. AIM OF EXERCISE. Physical education is designed primarily to maintain healthy growth and vitality. if suitably, applied, it is able to correct various physical defects nod early deformities before permanent or serious damage is done. It prevents faulty development- and subsequent disability. A good carriage and a flexible. well-shaped Ixxly are possessions of great value. Add to the habit of daily exercise a knowledge of the every-day laws of .health, sufficientrest to ensure growth-, an adequate and suitable food supply, n love of fresh' air, and interest in games and sports, and a citizen is equipped with weapons which will stand him in good stead in In’s struggle with industrial fatigue, with the insidious attacks of infective organisms, and with the many and varied strains likely to undermine health. RESULTS OF INSUFFICIENT EXERCISE.

Animals, infants, and children need no instruction in regard to the beneiits of exercise. It is difficult to keep a child quiet even for a short time. Normal adults who have been brought up in a natural way have similar impulses to activity. Unfortunately, However, many grown people, having attained the ability to remain relatively quiet, thereafter find exercise repellent. This is because the voluntary and 'habitual restriction of exercise has led to the weakening of the muscles and such muscles become easily fatigued. A -sort of vicious cycle is thus established; physical inactivity leads to weak muscles- and weak muscles to inactivity. This is particularly true of the muscles of the heart ii they are allowed to become weak. The sedentary individual usually develops poor posture and its attendant had results, often gets stiff in the joints: generally put on weight: has lowered resistance to all sorts of diseases, and. in short. reaches an early old age. The degenerative diseases of advanced age. that are due largely to a- defective circulatory system and retention of body wastes, are much more liable in persons who acquire habits of physical inactivity. These individuals are often just below par. for no other reason tlinn through lack of exercise, which has weakened the heart action and respiration, affected the digestion and the circulation, has retarded oxygenation of the blood and elimination, and also often interferes with rest and sleep. Many of the muscles of the bodv were developed to their present size when they were needed for selfdefence and self-preservation. Althou.ch not needed now in all persons for these same reasons, they are still needed hv everyone to keep the skeletal hones in alignment, to keen in 00-sition various organs of the body sirb as the kidneys and intestines, and to assist the circulation through the veins and lvinnhatie. glands. Fo’the best functioning of the whole svs. tern I>oth the physical and mental faculties must be developed. T( is not unusual to sec an individual neglecting his physical life in Iris attempts to improve his mental activities.

KINDS OF EXERCISE. Naturally the amount of exorcise and recreation needed will vary with the nature of the occupation and activity of the person. Flay activities, such as games, athletics, aquatic and land sports arc all good forms of exercise. They are especially enjoyable and exhilarating because they are similar to the forms 1 of recreation used by man in bis evolution and development. One of the best forms of exercise and one of the most convenient and the easiest to get is walking. A good vigorous walk to school. t office, shop, or factory every morning is of enormous value to health for the person who has the good common sense to take it.

Formal gymnastics and calisthenics arc especially useful in correcting certain physical defects and had posture For professional and business men and women that follow strictly sedentary pursuits riot requiring daily muscular activitv. a setting-up drill every morning will help to keep the body in good physical condition. These movement? should he supplemented with out-of door exercises whenever possible. These exercises should never be taken bevond the poinr of fatigue. Tt is far better to stop before fatigue is felt. It is unscientific and harmful for a man of mature years to indulge in violent athletic exercise without proner training. fit conclusion, it should he remein-he-i>d that there is no short cut. no ••oval road, no easy way to health. The development, and preservation of physical vigour require intelligent care •of the body and scrupulous regard for tin- laws .-if health.