YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23332, 26 October 1937, Page 15

YOUR GOOD HEALTH

IMPORTANCE OF NORMAL WEIGHT Only a few years ago we passed through an epidemic of thinness. Women, particularly, decided that the proper figure was a framework of bones over which was' stretched a covering of skin. That had dire results. Then there was a swing to the left, and a tendency (writes Claude N. Christian in an exchange) to acquire the Mae West figure, which was about as sensible. Now the swing is back again. We are always too fat or too thin. Both have their bad effects. Too much fat accompanies the growing tendency to eat too much, which encourages the development of diabetes, kidney troubles, heart strains, and shortness of breath. Being too thin leads to tuberculosis, lack of resistance, general weakness, and decayed teeth. Why can’t we strike a balance and be normal? We need not carry enough flesh to look as if we have been poured into our clothes; not so little that our clothes seem to hang on a series of hooks. It is better that clothes seem to be a part of us. WHAT YOU SHOULD WEIGH The question so often asked is, “ What should I weigh? ” The answer depends on several things, borne of us are built with a large, bony frame, having not only broad but large bones. This person will naturally weigh more for a certain height than one with a small frame and small bones. Weight tables vary greatly, due to pur bony structure, our build and height. We can only strike an average. A boy of 16 of average height should be abput five feet five inches tall and weigh 1231 b. A normal girl of the same age averages about five feet two inches, and weighs 1151 b, At first glance these weights seem high, but we must remember that at 16 years they are at the period of greatest proportionate growth and development. Girls and boys of this age are very active, taking much excise. They need excess food and fat to grow and expand. A little later, the height and weight become better balanced. At the age of 20 the girl, five feet two in height, averages about 1191 b; five feet three, 1221 b; five feet four, 1281 b; and at five feel six, 1351 b. At the age of 30 the scale runs five feet two inches, 1241 b; five feet three, 1291 b; and at five feet five, 1351 b. A good way to calculate is an increase of 51b or a bit more to every inch of additional height. GLANDS INFLUENCE WEIGHT If your weight is much under these figures you are too thin. You need exercise, fresh air, fattening foods, such as fat meat, butter, bread, potatoes, sugar, pastries as well as fruit and vegetables. , , , , ff too fat, you should avoid the fattening foods and use those that contain all the vitamins such as fruit, vegetables, soups, broths, salads, and only a little of the proteins, like meat. eggs, milk, and sweets. Some people are just naturally fat or lean. Some heavy people eat moderately, and some lean ones a large quantity. In these persons there is some disturbance with metabolism doe to the action of the glands of internal secretion. If this is so, see your Physician and have him determine whether some medication is needed. Each of these conditions is an individual problem and demands individual care: not some wholesale medication. The average person who becomes too heavy eats too much heavy food. This stretches the stomach till it demands more food to satisfy its craving. Reducing safely is a matter that requires time and much of it. also some sacrifice of desire. We get in a great hurry to reduce when we once start. Loss of a pound or a bit more a week is the safe limit. Bulky foods such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, carrots in large amounts shrink the stomach and finally stops the cravings. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. very little of fat and starchy foods.