with the head low and the feet slightly elevated. "Any marked
increase, whether by amount, duration, or shortening of the interval
between the periods ought to receive attention and be brought to the
physician's notice" (Latimer). Painful menstruation may be relieved by
rest in bed, mental as well as physical, by hot drinks and by the
application of heat. Rest, and hygienic living persistently practised,
will relieve most menstrual abnormalities. The common practice of using
patent remedies and alcoholic liquors for disordered menstruation cannot
be too strongly condemned.

OTHER INJURIES

SPRAINS.--A sprain is caused by twisting, stretching, or tearing the
tissues about a joint. The first sharp pain comes from the injury to
the tissues; subsequent pain is caused by the pressure of accumulated
fluid. The other symptoms are those characteristic of inflammation.

When a sprain is slight, the affected part should be elevated and kept
at rest for the first twenty-four hours. Either heat or cold should be
applied, or heat and cold alternately; a good treatment is to soak the
part in hot water and afterward to allow cold water to run upon it from
the tap. Gentle rubbing with a circular motion helps to reduce the
swelling. If the joint must be used it should be bandaged tightly.

Injuries to joints should never be neglected; and severe sprains always
require medical attention, since in addition to the sprain a bone may be
broken. A severely sprained joint should be elevated, treated with hot
or cold applications, and kept at rest until it has been examined by a
physician.

BRUISES.--Bruises need no attention unless they are extensive or
painful. The skin should be kept clean and if possible unbroken, since
injured tissues are less resistant to infection than tissues in their
normal state. Applications of cold water or of equal parts of cold water
and alcohol may relieve the pain, but cold should not be used upon
bruises that are extensive. A compress bandaged tightly in place may
help to prevent swelling and discoloration.

BURNS AND SCALDS.--Injuries from dry heat are called burns, and those
from moist heat are called scalds. Both are painful, and both are
dangerous if extensive or deep. Burns and scalds require medical
attention if the injured area is extensive, if a large blister is
formed, if the skin is destroyed or charred, and if symptoms of shock
appear. Shock often follows burns or scalds even when the injury