The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in HygieneGalbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Science
The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in Hygiene
Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Women -- Health and hygiene
Constipation, however, of so obstinate a character as this demands a
physician's attention.
Diarrhea.-- A diarrhea may be acute or chronic; the treatment is
essentially different. For an acute attack accompanied by frequent
stools and severe abdominal pain the first thing to do is to go to
bed. If there is nausea, drink a glass of water as hot as can be
taken, at once; for the diet, a glass of scalded milk, not boiled but
just allowed to come to the boiling-point, every two hours; and
nothing else should be taken until the diarrhea is well in check. If
the pain is severe, a spice plaster over the abdomen will be found to
be very comforting. It is made as follows: take of powdered allspice,
cinnamon, cloves, and ginger each two tablespoonfuls, and two
teaspoonfuls of cayenne pepper; mix well together in a bowl; then
quilt in a piece of flannel large enough to cover the abdomen; when
ready for use, dip in hot whisky and apply as hot as the patient can
bear; cover over with a large napkin, as the plaster produces a deep
stain which does not wash out; keep on as long as necessary. If the
rest in bed and the milk diet kept up for twenty-four hours do not
suffice to cure the diarrhea, it is not wise to take any risks, but
send for your doctor at once. Or if there should be any blood in the
stools, do not wait for anything, but send for the doctor without
delay.
For a chronic diarrhea an enema given in the knee-chest position, as
already described, will often be found a most efficient remedy. In
diarrheas the use of fruits and vegetables should be avoided; the best
diet after the milk is bread well toasted through, toast-water,
soft-boiled eggs, beefsteak, oyster stew, and clam broth.
Vaginal Douche.-- To be of service except for mere cleansing purposes
the douche must be taken in the horizontal position, either on a couch
or, if it is not cold, on the floor. Of course, this position
necessitates the use of a douche-pan. The douche-pan is best of
agate-ware, oblong in shape, and with a broad strip which comes under
the nates. On lying down to take the douche the nates must come down
well over the pan and the clothing must be pushed well up to prevent
the water from seeping up the back. To make the woman more comfortable
there should be a pillow under the head, and she must have a shawl or
some light woolen material to throw over her while taking the douche
to prevent chilling; thus doing more harm than good.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account