CLEANLINESS.—BATHING.
One of the first things to remember is the need of keeping your bodies
clean. Of course you wash your hands and face as soon as you rise in the
morning, and if necessary through the day, but that is not enough.
The skin is composed of two layers, the outer or scarf skin and the
inner or true skin. The outer is continually wearing out and falls from
the body in fine scales. The skin is pierced by thousands upon thousands
of pores, or tiny openings, through which a large part of the waste of
the body passes. If these pores are allowed to become clogged by want of
cleanliness, the waste matter enters the blood and may cause disease and
death.
The way to keep the pores open is by bathing or cleanliness. When the
weather is cold, you should bathe at least once a week at home. The
water should be moderately cold. After bathing, rub yourself from head
to foot with a coarse towel until the skin becomes warm and red. Then
dress quickly and do not go out-of-doors for half an hour.
During summer it is well to bathe every day. Salt water is better than
fresh. Boys are fond of bathing and are inclined to spend too much time
in the water.
Avoid stagnant or impure water. Running streams, ponds into and from
which water continually flows, creeks, rivers, lakes, and the ocean
afford good bathing.
Do not bathe when the body is overheated or you are perspiring freely,
or within two hours of breakfast, dinner or supper. Stay in as long as
it is pleasant, but come out before you begin to feel chilly.
In entering, it is best to plunge at once under the surface. If you walk
slowly, as many timid people do, until the water gradually reaches your
neck, you leave the brain heated too long. It ought to be cooled at the
first.
After bathing, rub your body dry and dress without delay. Do not lounge
on the shore in your bathing dress. If you do, the body becomes chilled,
and ill results are likely to follow.
* * * * *
What is one of the first things to remember?
Of what is the skin composed? What is said of the outer skin? What
of the pores? What follows if the pores are allowed to become
clogged?
How can the pores be kept open? Describe how one should bathe when
the weather is cold?
How often is it well to bathe during summer?
Which, is the better, fresh or salt water? What are boys apt to do?
What should be avoided? What affords good bathing?
When should you avoid bathing? How long ought you to remain in the
water?
What is the best manner of entering the water? Why?
What should be done after bathing? What should you avoid? Why?