Running Upstairs.

Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1024, 13 August 1898, Page 22

Running Upstairs.

A WAENING TO WOMEN

' Young women should be warned ' (says a well-known lady writer in a fashion journal), ' that running upstairs is" always injurious when it produces violent heart palpitation, or other distressing symptoms. In fact, sudden exertion under such circumstances .is dangerous in the extreme. The question is how to avoid the danger. If you care to hear about it 1 will tell you of the ingenious manner in which Miss Petrea Peteraon, of Featherstone, North Island, N.Z.; did so. 'I am 19 years age,' she writes, ' and ever since I was 15 1 have been suffering more or less.' Palpitation of the heart was her principal trouble, she states, and this was induced by anaemia, or poorness of the blood. ' When, for instance,' she continues, ' I ran upstairs, my heart used to thump most frightfully against my sides, and so bad was it that on these occasions I was unable to talk for some time afterwards. This was naturally a source of considerable anxiety to my family and friends. Night after night I tossed, weary and worn-out, on my bed, trying vainly to sleep. At times, too, I had fearful attacks of cramp in my legs, and so great was the agony that frequently it caused me to scream out in very desperation, to the despair of those around. I was alwajs in a weak, low state, and, of course, never felt fit for my work. My legs, too, would at times swell up- to a considerable extent, and this naturally occasioned myself and my mother great suspense. Thus, as I grew older I became worse and worse, being subject also to -periods of giddiness which many a time caused me to almost fall down. I tried plenty of medicines and I had several doctors, one after the other, but they gave me no relief. I also consulted three doctors regarding an affliction of the eye from which I suffered.