BEST WAY TO BATHE.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18534, 14 January 1932, Page 5

BEST WAY TO BATHE.

Bathing should be healthy. Unfortunately It too often proves unhealthy.

Sea water in moderate and reasonable doses is stimulating; in large? doses it may only prove depressing. Always be guided by your reaction. If you do not experience an afterglow you have stayed in too long, and you should shorten your next bathe. Some people never experience an afterglow, however brief their stay in the water. Such people are better off not bathing, but there is no reason why they should avoid sea-water entirely. A salt water morning “sponge down” is a capital substitute. The best time for a bathe is abou - - 11 a.m. Then the atmosphere is warm equable, and breakfast has had time to digest. It is inadvisable to bathe within two hours of a meal, or you will risk disturbing your .digestion. Never bathe just before a meal on an empty stomach. The "before-breakfast dip” Is most unwise, unless you have taken the precaution of drinking a cup ol tea and eating a biscuit or two beforehand. When you enter the water your body temperature should be approximately normal, for safety. If you are cold or overheated you will be running the risk of a chill or an attack of rheumatism. Do not enter the water when you feel tired, as you are liable to cramp.

Avoid cold drinks and ices before your dip. Punge into the water at once. On entry, submerge the whole body, including the head. This will obviate that “after-bathe headache.” Ear troublo may be caused—or aggravated—by careless bathing. A perforated ear-drum calls for a special plug of plasticine and fibre composition. Cottonwool will be useless.

i Those who go in for high diving should guard their car-drums against llio pressure of water with cottonwool plugs. A bathing cap with car-fold . will afford s<jmo measure of protection.

After the plunge rub yourself briskly and dress with speed. Then walk sharply home. If, after llio exercise, you slill feel cold, lake a tiot drink. Those who have a sensitive skin may ibid that the salt in the sea-water is irritating, unless they make a point of sponging down with fresh water on their return homo.