Proper growth and activity of the brain and nervous system are promoted
by a healthy flow of blood. Pure air and sufficient food properly
combined and proportioned are essential. Choose more of the lighter
forms of protein and starchy foods, as fish, eggs, almonds, green peas,
bacon, a moderate amount of lamb and beef, rice, sago, wheat, and
vegetable gelatines. Foods rich in minerals are celery, apples,
tomatoes, greens, oranges, and practically all the fresh fruits and
vegetables, especially the small berries. Melons and starchy vegetables
in large quantities are suitable for muscular workers. Use as little as
possible of so-called pure chemical substances, such as refined sugar
and flour.
Avoid poisonous beverages, tobacco and all forms of drugs. Sleep at
least nine hours in a well ventilated room, facing east or south. Avoid
constipation. Combine mental work with moderate amounts of useful and
enjoyable exercise and physical work. Protect the eyes from strong
artificial light. Keep the feet warm. Relax before and after meals. A
certain amount of manual labor is absolutely necessary for the
brain-worker. It favors deep breathing and creates a demand for more air
and water, and thus improves digestion, oxidation and nutrition. The
body poisons are carried off quicker and nervous headaches and
despondency are avoided. Short walks out of doors before retiring are
very beneficial for people who suffer with cold hands and feet.
Dress by an open fire or in a sunny room. A chill before
breakfast produces indigestion and a desire for unnecessary
hot foods. Never sleep by night lamps or any other artificial
light. They are injurious to the eyes and absorb oxygen.
Avoid fresh breads, inferior cakes and pastry. Do not eat
unless you are hungry. Do not over-indulge in athletic or any
other kind of exercise. Remember that natural feeding, pure
air and sufficient sleep call for natural breathing and
natural exercise. Unnatural feeding and late hours create
disease or nervousness.
"THE IMMIGRANT."
All who leave the land of their birth should make themselves acquainted
with the art of living and the peculiarities of the new country in which
they intend to live.
To depart entirely from their old customs and habits is as dangerous as
to neglect the study of the new environment or the failure to adopt
necessary changes.
In some portions of the United States the climatic conditions are very
changeable; we have extreme heat and cold, an excess of rain with wind
storms and dryness alternating within a short time. West of the Rocky
Mountains we have a mild sea air. In the Southern States and near the
Pacific Coast we have low districts where malaria and catarrhal
conditions are easily acquired.
Tropical fruits and vegetables which are looked upon as luxuries in
Northern Europe are necessary articles of food in the country where they
grow, therefore the stranger should make himself acquainted with such
foods, and by degrees learn to eat them.