IN THE BOUDOIR

Southland Times, Issue 19658, 7 October 1922, Page 14 (Supplement)

IN THE BOUDOIR

HEALTH AND GOOD LOOKS. The basic principle of keeping well is hygiene, and keeping well means looking one’s best, a fact which many women lose tight of when they neglect their health. Cleanliness is the first consideration. The daily bath not only cleanses the skin but it frees the system of many impurities by opening the pores. A brisk rub down with a flesh brush or loofah after the bath acts as a stimulant and helps to tone the body. Those who suffer from weak or relaxed throats would do well to include a salt and water gargle when they clean their teeth. It does not take a moment, and is well worth the trouble, as it keeps away sore throats. The eyes, too, need special care, particularly when a woman is over thirty. A little vaseline smeared on at night will keep the lids from sticking, and if the eyes are bathed in the morning in a bowl of cold water —open the eyes under water—this little attention will assist in. keeping the eyes bright and strong. A glass of cold water taken on rising is very beneficial in clearing the complexion, while a few morning exercises aid greatly in giving tone to the system. Everyone needs exercise, and the more sedentary one’s work the more exercise is needed. It is absolutely essential to take one walk daily ior the health’s sake. Food and diet also play an important role in health. Overloading the stomach, and eating too many sweets or highlyspiced dishes are unhealthy and produce indigestion and sometimes worse ailments. Too hot food, again, is bad, and "gulpin"” down ice drinks or glasres of milk should be avoided. Always sip drinks, especially iced ones. Lastly, remember that everyone wants proper sleep. If it can be managed, half-an-hour during the day is one of the bvst ways of keeping fit for anyone inclined tobe either delicate or highly strung, and it is to be advised in the case of all those engaged on any mental work. Give the mind and body adequate rest and they will do good work. SEA BATHING. Many girls counteract the benefit derived from a seaside holiday by indulging in too much sea bathing. It must be remembered that bathing does not agree with everyone. Anaemic girls should be very careful about it, and if they are consulting a doctor they should on no account bathe in the sea unless they have his permission to do so. Girls who are bilious and “liverish” should never bathe in the sea when it is cold. Congestion of the liver may be caused by a sudden chill. If hot sea baths can be obtained they are often of great benefit when cold baths may be injurious. It is never safe to bathe very soon after a meal. Cramp may come on suddenly, due to interference with the digestion. WHEN TO BATHE. Some quite healthy girls become tired, chilly, and depressed for the day if they bathe before breakfast. It is too much for them. They should bathe about two hours after breakfast. The bather should not stay in the water until she feels cold and finds that her fingers are becoming stiff and blue. Some girls do this, and foolishly imagine they are going to derive benefit from bathing in spite of this result. The fact that the fingers are blue and stiff from too long immersion in cold water proves that the circulation of the blood is not proceeding normally. A vacuum flask or hot beef tea or milk can be kept in the bathing tent; a warm drink will help to restore the circulation.