Ideal Home Life - online book

A valuable and well-organized system for home education(homeschooling) 3 to 12 years.

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	414                          IDEAL HOME LIFE
	mer is the more comfortable, the body moving the more freely and the radiation from the body being less impeded than by clothing which restricts and binds. In cold weather, on the other hand, snug-fitting garments prevent too free radiation of the body heat, and also prevent the access of cold currents of air which rapidly neutralize the body heat. Clothing should never be so tight as to constrict the body and interfere with the circulation. Soft hats are more salubrious than firm and stiff ones. The covering for the feet should be broad of sole, low of heel, and ample of upper. The ridiculous fashions in shoes are bringing their just penalty in deformities and diseases of the feet. Garments which are made wholly, or in part, of rubber are almost impervious to air. Radiation of heat from the body out­ward is prevented, and except in cold weather, or in very wet weather, they are exceedingly uncomfortable. They are most valuable in protecting the body from rain and snow, but are unsuitable, as a rule, for any other purpose. Occupation It is rational and desirable that human beings, when in health, should have continuous and useful occupation. It is by no means a misfortune that for the majority of people occu­pation is a necessity to existence. An idle life, if not mischiev­ous, is at least very selfish; and when we realize the brevity of life, and the great number of helpless and suffering ones who need assistance, it seems entirely inexcusable. An occupation may be the means of promoting health and longevity, or it may certainly result in disease and early death. What a pity that,' in order to sustain life, so many poor mortals must engage in pursuits that inevitably bring their life to a premature close. Out-of-door occupations, even if laborious, are not usually un-healthful; farmers, mechanics, teamsters, sailors, if they observe ordinary precautions, are wont to enjoy rugged health. On the other hand, those who work indoors are more susceptible to disease; hence, factory hands, tradesmen, even .professional people, unless their indoor life is compensated by sufficient out-of-door exercise, are deficient in physical endurance.