Seaside for the Aged.

Otago Witness, Issue 2860, 6 January 1909, Page 76

Seaside for the Aged.

Dr Ide, after considerable observation, now reports that he finds the sea climate of great use in cases of arterio-sderosis (one of the symptoms of old age). It is remarkable how well old people recover and bow far greater a degree of freshness and strength they enjoy than at home. More oxygen is absorbed at the seaside, and this leads, to greater metastasis (better circulation), so that poisonous substances', either those formed within the body or introduced from outside, are oxidised to a greater amount. The organs of elimination are also stimulated, as is shown by the in-" crease in the amount of urine, and in the perspiration which in nervous and scrofulous cases can- be distinctly recognised by the sense of smell. These changes diminish' the circulatory difficulties caused by tho disease, besides improving the quality of the blood. The wind causes contraction of the blood vessels, followed by the dilatation -which further relieves the circulation. A too cool temperature combined with strong wind is, however, to be avoided. In advanced cases rest on the bed 1 several times daily is advisable at first. Later, to increase the action, air baths may be ordered, and in some cases warm sea baths. Cold sea baths are almost absolutely excluded.