The General Problem of Keeping Well : Part 8

Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools
by Francis M. Walters

(Page 30 of 30)

Summary. - To solve the problem of keeping well, one must live the life which is in closest harmony with the plan of the body. Such a life, because of differences in physical organization, as well as differences in environment and occupation, cannot be the same for all. All, however, may observe the conditions under which the body can be used without injuring it and the special hygienic laws relative to the care of different organs. Causes of disease, whether they be in one's environment, vocation, in his use of foods or drugs, or in his mode of recreation, must either be avoided or counteracted.

While the problem is beset with such difficulties as lack of sufficient knowledge, inherited weakness, and time and opportunity for doing what is known to be best for the body, yet study and work that have for their aim the preservation or improvement of the health are always worth while. Health is its own reward. The expression of the poet,

"Each morn to feel a fresh delight to wake to life, To rise with bounding pulse to meet whatever of work, of care, of strife, day brings to me,"

suggests the joy of being well. But the ultimate realization of one's aims and ambitions in life and the actual prolongation of one's period of usefulness are higher and more enduring rewards.

Exercises. - 1. Summarize the different laws of hygiene. Upon what one fundamental law are these based?

2. State the important differences between a condition of health and one of disease.

3. In what general ways may disease originate in the body?

4. Describe a model sanitary home. With what special hygienic problems has the housekeeper to deal?

5. Describe a method of collecting a wholesome supply of cistern water. State possible objections to well and spring water.

6. What means may be employed in preventing the spread of contagious diseases?

7. By what means are malaria, typhoid fever, diphtheria, and tuberculosis spread from one individual to another?

8. Why are extra precautions necessary in the recovery from certain diseases, as typhoid fever, diphtheria, and scarlet fever?

9. How may one's vocation become a cause of disease? What conditions in the life of a student may, if not counteracted, lead to poor health?

10. Of what special value are the parks and pleasure grounds in a city to the health of its inhabitants?

11. Discuss the hygienic value of work.

12. What conditions lead to the continuance of habit-forming substances after their use has become general?

13. How is it possible for one not using alcohol to be injured by this substance?

14. Discuss the effect of alcoholic abuse upon social environment.

15. Summarize the rewards of hygienic living.

Summary of Part II

For the maintenance of life the needs of the cells must be supplied and the body as a whole must be brought into proper relations with its surroundings. The last-named condition requires that the body be moved from place to place; that its parts be controlled and coordinated; and that it be adjusted in its various activities to external physical conditions. To accomplish these results there are employed:

1. The skeleton, or bony framework, which preserves the form of the body and supplies a number of mechanical devices, or machines, for causing a variety of special movements.

2. The muscular system, which supplies the energy necessary for executing the movements of the body.

3. The nervous system, which a. controls and coordinates the various activities and b. provides for the intelligent adjustment of the body to its environment.

Appendix

Equipment. - Nearly all of the apparatus and materials called for in this book may be found in the physical, chemical, and biological laboratories of the average high school. There should be ready, however, for frequent and convenient use, the following: One or more compound microscopes with two-thirds and one-fifth inch objectives; a set of prepared and mounted slides of the various tissues of the body; a set of dissecting instruments, including bone forceps; a mounted human skeleton and a manikin or a set of physiological charts; a set of simple chemical apparatus including bottles, flasks, test tubes, and evaporating dishes; and a Bunsen burner or some other means of supplying heat.

The few chemicals required may be obtained from a drug store or from the chemical laboratory. Access to a work bench having a set of carpenter's tools will enable one to prepare many simple pieces of apparatus as they are needed.

Physiological Charts are easily prepared by teachers or pupils by carefully enlarging the more important illustrations found in text-books or by working out original sketches and diagrams. These, if drawn on heavy Manila paper, may be hung on the wall as needed and preserved indefinitely. By the use of colors, necessary contrasts are drawn and emphasis placed on parts as desired. The author has for a number of years used such home-made charts in his teaching and has found them quite satisfactory. His plan has been to draw on heavy Manila paper, cut in sizes of two by three feet, the general outline in pencil and then to mark over this with the desired colors. There is of course an opportunity for producing results that are artistic as well as practical, and if one has time and artistic skill, better results can be obtained. Many of the cuts in this book are excellently suited to enlargement and, if properly executed, will provide a good set for general class purposes.

Models. - The use of prepared models of the different bodily organs is strongly urged. These may be so used in elementary courses as to obviate much of the dissections upon lower animals. Although the actual tissues cannot be so well portrayed, the general form and construction of organs are much better shown. Models well adapted to class or laboratory work are easily obtained through supply houses. Illustrations of several of these are shown in connection with the "Practical Work."

D.C. Heath and Co. - Publishers
Original copyright 1909