ns, corn meal porridge, fruits, and
vegetables, drinking plenty of water, exercising in the open air, and
having a regular time for going to the lavatory (immediately after
breakfast and the last thing at night before retiring are suggested
times) are habits that are usually sufficient to keep the bowels in good
order.

If the waste matter is not carried off by the bowel movements, the body
will in time become poisoned by the decayed substance in the intestines,
and illness follows. Many headaches, "tired feelings," "blues," and even
appendicitis may be caused by constipation.

People who are sick and therefore deprived of taking exercise to help in
keeping their bowels regular, need to have very special attention paid
to their diet and to have plenty of drinking water always at hand. Also
they should have bedpan or whatever other attention they need
_regularly_, and when asked for, _immediately_.

_Chill_, if due to exposure, may be treated by giving a warm bath or a
foot bath, and putting to bed between warm blankets and with hot water
bags. Rub briskly under the covers and give a warm drink such as tea,
coffee, milk, etc.

Some Common Ills and Their Treatment

When a chill is not merely due to being cold, give the same treatment
except the rubbing, take the temperature, and if there is fever, send
for the doctor, as it may be the beginning of an illness.

_Colds or cramps_, or pain in the bowels may be caused by constipation,
by gas, by undigested food, by the monthly period or more serious
causes. Apply heat (hot water bag or fomentation), sip hot water in
which is a little baking soda (one-half teaspoonful to a cup), or a few
drops of peppermint. Try a hot foot bath. Lie down and keep very quiet
with a hot water bag at feet. If pain continues, except in the case of
the monthly illness, empty the stomach either by putting the finger down
the throat or by drinking warm water and soda until vomiting starts.
Take an enema or a dose of castor oil. If the pain still continues, send
for a doctor.

_Convulsions._ Send for a doctor at once. Loosen all clothing, undress
if possible. Watch and prevent patient from hurting herself. Do not try
to restrain. Try to force a spoonhandle wound with a bandage between the
teeth, to prevent biting of tongue. Keep lying down with head slightly
raised. As soon as possible, administer enema or dose of castor oil. Put
ice bag on head and hot water bottle to feet. Keep warm. A chi