Proper clothing is perhaps from a sanitary standpoint of equal
importance with that of artificial heating and ventilation. With
appropriate clothing, the body can be protected against the inclemency
of the weather and the sudden changes of the atmosphere so that no ill
effects are experienced from the great changes of temperature to which
we are exposed. Women are dressed less warmly than men, although they
do not possess the bodily strength to resist cold in the same degree
as men. Their garments are not only made of lighter material, but the
loose, fluttering manner in which they hang around the limbs does not
protect their bodies in the same thorough manner that similar material
made after the style of men’s clothing protects men.
This does not imply that women should don men’s clothing, because the
present costume or outside apparel of women of civilized countries, is
both graceful and modest. A reform, however, in her _underclothing_ is
not only desirable but in many cases absolutely necessary to insure
permanent relief from catarrhal affections.
All women who are suffering from uterine or pelvic diseases, and who
are still wedded to the injurious costume of open drawers and skirts,
have an important lesson to learn.
A warm and complete covering for the lower extremities and pelvic
organs is paramount to any medicine or treatment that can be given.
It is during the menstrual period that the pelvic organs are more
susceptible to congestion and inflammation from exposures than at any
other time, and from the manner in which women dress, it is surprising
that there is not more sickness among them than there really is. Wide
and open cotton drawers, and skirts hanging loosely around their
limbs, with cotton hose, are no protection against drafts and sudden
changes, so that it often happens that the extremities are chilled and
cold, which is in itself sufficient to cause uterine diseases. When
this exposure continues, with some already existing disease, it will
neutralize the best-directed efforts to accomplish a cure.
It is said of the celebrated Boerhave, that among his effects there
was a carefully-sealed prescription, which contained the secret for
preserving health and vigor to a ripe old age. In his last will and
testament it was provided that the prescription should be sold to
the highest bidder at public auction. A physician who was anxious to
procure the recipe of this renowned Dutch doctor, bought it for a very
high price. On breaking the seal and anxiously unfolding the paper,
he found these words: “Keep the head cool, the extremities warm, and
the abdomen free.” The buyer was greatly chagrined at the simplicity
of the supposed panacea, but, if the profession and the public only
appreciated the real worth of the advice, there would be much less
sickness.