Among the home’s most treasured blessings must be ranked the good health of the family. “A sound mind in a sound body” is certainly one of the primary essentials for the proper functioning of the little society which is the family. Good health enables both husband and wife to perform their duties and perform them well; it enables the father to make provision for the needs of the home and to supply his family with the means of a certain measure of comfort; it establishes the mother in her sublime role of “giver of life,” of comforter. It is the basic good health, transmitted hereditarily from parent to child, that gives the children some promise of success in individual and social life.
Good health (in the usual sense of physical health) is defined as “a condition in which the organs are sound and function normally in the entire body.” It may also be defined as the “constant relation between the nutritive materials necessary to all the organs and the complete elimination of organic waste.” “But good health consists in other things also. It has a positive side: It signifies the maximum utilization of the body. A healthy person is well aware of the functions of the different organs, and demands of each organ its full cooperation, short of fatigue and overwork. He thereby obtains a maximum use of his body with the minimum of wear and tear.” (Dr. J. A. Beaudoin, Course in Hygiene, P. 50).
Hygiene is a “science dealing with the preservation of health and the prevention of disease.” Since every one is bound by an obligation to preserve good health, fathers, mothers, and children must strive to fulfil their duty in this respect by learning the practical rules of hygiene, and particularly by acquiring hygienic habits suitable to their manner of living (that is, habits that will help to maintain their good health and prevent disease). The engaged couple must not overlook the importance of hygienic preparation as a factor in their future conjugal and family life.
We have already mentioned that good health consists in the constant balance between two things: a) the intake of food, and b) the elimination of waste. Concerning daily hygienic habits of the individual, elimination serves as an indicator of the state of health; on the other hand, the food consumed determines to a certain extent the balance between assimilation and elimination. It is a duty, therefore, to observe and try to discover the extent of the strong as well as the weak points of one’s own constitution (in order to correct or to prevent deficiencies of diet or over arduous work or exercise). After being assured by medical examination of the soundness of the organs, each individual should ask of himself or herself: 1) What quality and quantity of food is best suited to my needs? 2) What means can I and should I take to preserve and maintain the proper functioning of my body (clothing, manner of living)?
Let us note here how marvellously God has simplified our task by means of two wonderful “net-works:” the extremely delicate series of chains or neurons forming the nervous system, and the thousands of vessels forming the circulatory system. The nervous system seems to be the more immediate participant in the activity of the soul, seeming to share its power of directing. It is the nervous system that sounds the alarm when discomfort or pain arises in the circulatory system due to too much or too little nourishment being provided for these organs. Although not necessarily a matter for worry, these warnings should nevertheless be heeded and their cause determined. Should they persist, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed until some serious illness has had time to develop. We might mention again at this point the advisability of a medical check-up at regular intervals, preferably by the family doctor and about once a year. Such an examination should provide an efficient check on the condition of the individual’s health and should indicate what habits of personal hygiene to follow for best results.
The soundness and the perfect formation of the infant’s organs will depend in large measure upon the condition of health of the parents both for a long time before but especially immediately before their marriage. Thus, the personal hygiene practised from earliest days is a preparation for the vitality of their future family. But, of utmost importance too are the health of the parents at the time of union and the hygienic care given to their intimate life together, since these will influence the physical constitution of the child. On the mother devolves the further duty of carrying the child in her womb, a role that brings with it the necessity of following the rules of hygiene that guarantee the normal development of the fetus. Then, since the child continues to grow after its birth, there will be a program of hygiene to govern his or her preservation as an adult.
a) The nervous system is the physical coordinating centre of all the vital functions of the body, directing its activity in the interests of growth or self-preservation. Hence, the hygiene of the nervous system has as its primary function and duty the supervision and protection of the body’s power of resistance.
Unfortunately, we humans too rarely give our nervous system the cooperation that is its due for most efficient functioning. While we readily acknowledge almost any other fault that we do possess, and sometimes faults that we don’t possess, most of us refuse to plead guilty to the charge that we squander our nervous energy. In many cases, we follow a daily schedule of work, athletics, etc., that robs us of our reserve of energy and saps our health, tiring ourselves beyond a moderate extent. We have yet to learn that recreation means re-creation. To those who thus over-exert themselves, we issue these words of counsel: i) Never force yourself to the limit of your strength, whether doing manual work or mental work, whether playing or taking physical exercises. ii) Take advantage of rest periods according to your need.
Some tire themselves uselessly, not because of the actual work but because of their method of doing it or viewing it, thereby doing continuous double duty: repressing their ill humor while doing the required work. Others, who dislike their work or their condition of living have little or no self-control and work feverishly to satisfy the cravings of ambition or false pride. These, like the others, must learn that serenity, calmness, peace, and happiness are a great protection to the nervous system. A third group (and it is very numerous!) have a normal day but, when evening comes, they never think of going to bed and so they form the habit of retiring at very late and, often irregular, hours, thereby almost continuously refusing the body the eight hours of sleep it requires. Since we gravely endanger our health by failing to get the required amount of sleep, we must first learn how to regulate our own personal life if we are to be in a better position to regulate the life of our future family.
b) Circulatory system: The blood has the important task of nutrition; to a large extent, it also takes care of the elimination of waste matter. The hygiene of the circulatory system of the blood consists of: 1) prevention of heart fatigue by the avoidance of infections injurious to this organ, such as childhood contagious diseases (diphtheria, scarlet fever); dental decay, typhoid fever, pneumonia, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.; irregular living habits: over-eating, sedentary living, over-indulgence in alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee; 2) encouragement of normal circulation of the blood by the avoidance of chilling of any part of the body, the cause of congestion; by not exacting hard, intense activity of several organs simultaneously, such as reading immediately after a meal; 3) guaranteeing the quality of the blood by a suitable diet and by the regular and complete elimination of waste matter.
c) Respiratory system: The air we breathe contains oxygen which furnishes us with nourishment necessary to life and health. Since it is a nourishment that we absorb continuously, proper hygiene insists on an abundance of fresh air, places us on guard against anything that might vitiate it in our homes or places of work: illuminating gas, gas from furnaces, etc., gas given off by decomposing matter, droplets of saliva spray (those germ carriers projected by those who sneeze, cough, or expectorate without due regard for the health of others). To avoid these dangers, the following recommendations are given: i) Spend as much time as possible in the open air, in the fresh air and sunshine; ii) proper ventilation of the home: temperature (67° F. for sedentary occupations); the degree of humidity (40% to 50%); ventilation (circulation of air); iii) clean surroundings out-doors. (In rural sections special attention must be given to the cleanliness of the outbuildings.) iv) care in the method of sweeping (never dry mop), in dusting (employ oil whenever possible), and in washing.
Proper hygiene also demands that adequate care be given to the respiratory organs: the nose, throat and lungs. A regular medical examination will set the mind at ease. Let us note that the pulmonary capacity can be increased by simple and appropriate gymnastic exercises. The voice organ must be spared. (There is an economy of the voice as of all our other physical powers.)
d) Hygiene of the digestive system: The digestive system is the agent that prepares all our food (except oxygen) for our nourishment. Thus, to assure the efficiency of the wonderful tools (the mouth, stomach, and intestines) that accomplish this function, we must strive to keep them healthy and furnish them with the quality and quantity of material that they need.
i) Hygiene of the mouth: requires that all food be thoroughly chewed and mixed with saliva before it is swallowed. These are elementary habits, it is true, but they are too rarely practised. Our first task, then, will be to train ourselves, and subsequently to train our children in like manner.
ii) Hygiene of the stomach: This consists in avoiding any thing that might cause indigestion, such as food not suitable to our needs, faulty eating habits (insufficient chewing), over eating (a national evil!), starting to work immediately after eating, eating at irregular intervals, or between meals.
iii) Hygiene of the intestines: This consists in taking the necessary measures to prevent constipation and to promote regular movements of the intestines. Three methods are recommended: a) a dietary regime that includes plenty of vegetables, fruit, plenty of water (6 glasses a day), avoidance of over-indulgence in meat; b) physical exercise (Swedish gymnastics or others); c) training of the intestines to the regular movement of the bowels at a definite, fixed hour. It should be noted, however, that laxatives should never be resorted to as a means of combating chronic constipation. Children should be trained from early childhood to acquire the habit of going to the toilet at a specific time, and also not to let shyness cause them to forego this function when nature demands it. This is an elementary principle that is daily and widely violated.
e) Hygiene of the alimentary tract: Among the most important chapters of general hygiene must be listed dietetics, the science of sensible nourishment. Let us be clear on this point: Sensible nourishment is not simply a matter of furnishing the body with a sufficient number of calories (heat), or of eating foods that contain all the necessary chemical elements (albumen, fats, carbohydrates, salts, water). For a sensible diet, it is necessary that we not only provide the body with these different kinds of food but also that we provide them in the proportions necessary for normal growth, and in the proportions that best maintain the harmony of the digestive system thus sustaining the individual at the maximum peak of physical efficiency in the midst of the normal round of daily activities. This requires of each individual a certain amount of observation and even experimentation as well as some knowledge of food values in albumens, fats, sugar, salt, etc., and particularly in vitamins. The following foods are rich in albumen: lean meat, eggs, cheese, animal viscera (liver, etc.), spinach, lettuce, cabbage, peas, beans, cereal grains; in carbohydrates: starch, flour, fruits; in fats: cream, butter, lard, meat fat, olive oil, and oils of nuts; in salt: milk, cheese, oranges, cauliflower, spinach, eggs, potatoes, meats; in vitamins:
Vitamin A: (for assimilation of fats and for growth) is found plentifully in carrots, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, beans, green peas, tomatoes, pears, prunes; pumpkins, apples, peelings of the above mentioned fruits, cod liver oil, egg yolk, butter, cheese, milk.
Vitamin B: (for the assimilation of albumen) found in asparagus, beets, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, prunes; smaller amounts found in eggs, liver, milk and yeast. Vitamin B.: (for nervous stability, and the assimilation of carbohydrates) found in wheat germ, cuticle (coat and shell) of grains; a small amount in asparagus, tomatoes, liver, egg yolk.
Vitamin C: (for the proper functioning of the circulatory system, and for strong teeth) acidic fresh fruit such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, fresh tomatoes, green vegetables: cabbage, lettuce, spinach, etc.
Vitamin D: (for the assimilation of salts and prevention of dental decay) usually found in egg yolk and cod liver oil; also, but in smaller amounts, in cream, butter, cheese, liver, sardines, halibut. Vitamins A and B are especially necessary for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children; Vitamin B for convalescents; Vitamins C and D for children’s first and permanent teeth. On the alimentary regime to be followed by pregnant and nursing mothers, and children, the advice of a doctor should be followed.
Balanced Diet: Our diet, consisting of processed cereals, white bread, cooked vegetables, biscuits, cakes, tea and coffee is far from being perfect. It contains too much albumen, too little mineral, and is particularly lacking in Vitamin A. As a nation, we include too much meat in our diet. A diet predominantly vegetarian is preferable. It consists in the following, in their order of importance a) milk (at least a quart a day for children); b) fresh leafy vegetables; c) fresh fruit, fresh tomatoes; d) bread, cereals, vegetables; e) water (6 to 8 glasses a day); f) fats (particularly during the winter months); g) meat, eggs, fish, cheese.
Daily diet for children: 1 quart of milk, 1 egg, teaspoon of cod liver oil, 1 ounce of butter, 2 or 3 servings of vegetables, fruit, all other food necessary to satisfy the appetite and complete the total number of calories required. Occasional use of condiments: vinegar, lemon, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, parsley, garlic, pimento, pepper, mustard, nutmeg, etc. These condiments should be served with discretion. Alcohol under any form should not appear on the table.
f) Hygiene of clothing: Clothing should be such as to permit the retention of the best temperature suitable to the well being of the body. It should prevent the too rapid or too slow drop of body heat, should serve as an insulator against heat and cold, absorb humidity, be not too heavy, nor so tight as to hamper the body. From the hygienic point of view, the best materials are - wool, linen, natural silk; less hygienic are cotton and artificial silk. The under garments protect the outer garments from body perspiration. For this reason they should be made preferably of wool, even for summer wear. All clothing should be aired frequently, at least twice a week. .The outer garments should be loose enough to serve as an insulator. All additional to these are extra and burdensome. Waterproofed clothing protects against rain and humidity; it should be used, however, only when needed, as it is unsanitary. All wet or damp clothing should be removed as soon as possible because it may interfere with the normal circulation of blood and induce chilling. Clothing should serve for the woman not only for appearance but also for protection of the throat, chest, neck, parts that are very sensitive to cold and humidity, and that are exposed by the low cut style of dress. All physicians condemn the tight or badly adjusted corset as being completely unhygienic. Tight bands such as brassieres and belts, round garters which bind the legs, are likewise unhealthy.
The body produces elements that cannot be used, organic wastes which must be eliminated in order to prevent poisoning. Thus the lungs throw off the waste product of respiration - carbon dioxide; the skin, kidneys, and intestines eliminate the refuse from foods of a liquid and solid nature. We have already discussed the hygienic care of the intestines and lungs; now we shall deal with the hygienic care of the kidneys and skin.
1. The hygiene of the kidneys consists in diminishing the work of the kidneys and liver a) by encouraging elimination through the intestines and the skin-, b) by avoiding all food irritating to the kidney tissue (such as excess table salt, spices, etc., too liberal servings of condiments, alcohol, overeating, etc.).
2. Hygiene of the skin: As we have just mentioned, it is important that elimination through the skin should be encouraged. To accomplish this, the skin should be cleansed regularly of the waste matter it throws off and of dirt that, deposited on it, may cause obstruction of the pores.
Frequent washing, (showers or baths, daily, if possible) protects the skin and, moreover, has a beneficial effect on the circulation of the blood, or the nervous system, and on general nutrition. Note: a) Warm water causes the blood to flow to the surface: Cold water, on the contrary, causes the blood vessels to contract, but the normal and wholesome reaction induced is the resurgence of the blood to the surface. b) Cold water stimulates the nerves, warm water quiets them. c) This double action is an easy, effective method of improving digestion and preventing constipation. After the use of hot water, chilling of the body must be avoided. After cold water, the reaction must be induced by massaging or by the application of heat. A cold bath should not last long and should be avoided altogether by nervous people, by ‘the aged,,and by those suffering from heart trouble.
Requiring special hygienic care are a) the face - soap and water at least once a day; b) hands - soap and water before and after meals, after certain types of work, etc. c) teeth - careful brushing and rinsing of the mouth at least in the morning and at night; sick people should do this well at least three times a day; d) genital organs - dealt with further on. Regarding ventilation: 65° to 70° F., with a humidity of 40% to 50%, is the normal temperature for the proper evaporation of body perspiration.
Sex hygiene may be called “the assembled mass of knowledge and practices that have as their purpose the preservation and complete health of the genital organs.”
As we have seen, God planned that man and woman be associated in the great mystery of transmitting human life. In keeping with this plan, He furnished each of them with special complementary organs suitable to the function of reproduction. Upon each man and woman there devolves a consequent responsibility to give proper hygienic care to these marvellous organs. To shirk this responsibility to the point of endangering the healthfulness of these parts of the body would cast parents in the role of unfaithful servants, transmitting a sickly life, soliciting God for souls that they may be unable to bear. So great is the responsibility of man and woman in this sphere that they should neglect nothing that will assure the best possible preparation for the perfect consummation of their conjugal duty. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that proper hygienic care be given to the sex organs. Another no less important reason should be added: We know that the glands of the sex organs discharge substances (called hormones) into the blood. These hormones affect the general health in either a harmful or a beneficial manner, depending upon the condition of the sex organs ... and the condition of the sex organs will depend in great part upon the hygienic care given them.
We might compare man’s education (that is to say, the budding, maturing, and decline of his life under the influence of God, of his own free will, and of the outside world) to a magnificent symphony. Sex education would thus be assigned the position of a secondary theme, a highly blended melody, present from the opening bar, and disappearing only with the last, now scarcely perceptible, now more urgently tempestuous, at certain times troubled and even menacing to the equilibrium of the master-piece that is man, but soon returning, satisfied, to the role of servant. This comparison demonstrates that sex education is not merely an initiation, more or less intense at puberty, into the mysteries of life’s origins, that it is not the exclusive property of youth, but should be integrated into (made a part of) the life-long process of all education. Consequently, sex education should be simultaneously natural and supernatural; it should be directed primarily towards the development of the soul and its life of virtue: first, in the souls of children awakening to the pulsating mystery of life; then, in the souls of the young; later, in the souls of the engaged preparing for a beautiful life together; finally, in the souls. of both husband and wife in the acceptance of their light burden and their desire to live more perfectly a life of conjugal chastity. (“My yoke is sweet and My burden light.”)
Sex hygiene, a part of sex education, has for its immediate purpose the care of the body in its role of transmitter of life.
The health of the sex organs should be observed and attended to by the doctor at birth, at puberty, before marriage and in any case of persistent disease.
The first rule of individual sex hygiene is CLEANLINESS. These organs, richly endowed with glands, are the seat of secretions more or less copious and consistent and requiring, because of this fact, a special cleanliness which is often neglected due to false modesty. Children should be trained from an early age to follow the necessary hygiene, and there is no reason why this instruction should not coincide with that of the rest of the body. At any rate, from the age of puberty on, this intimate hygienic care is essential for boys as well as for girls. Each child should have his own personal toilet articles, towels, soap, sponge, etc.
At puberty the boy undergoes profound physiological and psychological changes. Normally, at this time the father should give his son sound instruction and help him in making the difficult transition from puberty to adolescence. Since, in many cases, however, the boy confides more freely in his mother, she too must be prepared by prayer, patience, understanding, love, and study, to assume this vital task in her son’s development.
The psychological change will be the more normal if proper hygienic care has maintained the nervous system in a healthy state (See: General Hygiene: the nervous system). The hygiene of the nervous system will regulate the expenditure of nervous energy, particularly by setting up a sound, intelligent, and efficient program of living. This program may be considered under: 1) a negative aspect the avoidance of stimulating plays, movies, “comics,” etc., which rouse the passions (hate, anger, fear, etc.,) and create an unhealthy urge towards more violent sensations, etc.; shunning the use of tobacco, effervescent drinks (a habit of intemperance that is apparently negligible but, in reality, the cause of so much sexual distress). Alcohol should be shunned as poisonous. 2) a positive aspect: a) Cultivate good humor; enjoy good wholesome fun. b) Give the body sufficient rest. c) Take daily exercise by means of games and well chosen gymnastics.
The physiological changes as the boy passes from boyhood into adolescence are more apparent. It is highly important that his first reaction to the mystery of sex be a wholesome attitude, one inspired by respect and confident assurance in his ability to control it properly. He should be taught: a) that the pollutions occurring during his sleep are a normal, natural phenomenon; b) that dreams are also a natural consequence and that the only attention they merit is the attention needed to forget them; c) that the physical change he is undergoing is merely the passage from childhood to adolescence and true youth; d) that his new estate requires control over his nervous energy i) in his physical exercises - no over strenuous athletics; ii) in his diet - beware of caprices, etc. iii) in his scholastic record: occasional failure to be expected. His entire physique in view of its reorganization and its seeking to establish a new outlook on life issues an urgent invitation to the growing boy to measure up to these new standards by the salutary discipline of sound hygienic habits.
While a girl’s physical education should start at a very young age, it should be further enriched at puberty by an elevating, inspiring realization and appreciation of her newly-acquired power to become a mother. In all fairness, it is the mother’s duty (1) to instruct her young daughter, (2) to explain the causes of the strange phenomena taking place, (3) to dispel the natural fear and, particularly (4) to instruct her on how to ease the pain and to guard against inconveniences by proper hygiene. The young girl should be taught all the rules of hygiene, especially those applying to the menstrual period. Specifically she should avoid all forms of cold as cold diminishes the flow of blood and can only be injurious. Consequently, she should never wash or bathe with cold water during menstruation. Chilling of feet and hands should be shunned. On the other hand, warm clothing should be worn; warm baths are advised and should be taken frequently at this time. If a complete tub bath is impossible, at least the external genital organs should be kept scrupulously clean by means of soap and warm water. Strenuous games, worry, violent emotions, fear, etc., should be avoided during menstruation. (Emotional shocks affect the menstrual flow).
General hygiene should be carefully watched during menstruation. In case of constipation a light laxative may be taken before ‘periods’. In the event of pain, a warm drink is recommbnded. What attitude should be taken towards so-called cleansing vaginal douches? Vaginal douches, despite the fact that they are so intensively advertised, are not always necessary; their use will be more thoroughly considered further on under conjugal sex hygiene.
As a preparation for normal maturity and painless menstruation, girls should not wear high-heeled shoes. High heels cause a deviation of the pelvis (the part of the skeleton containing the genital organs) and this deviation produces, in turn, a deviation of the internal genital organs. Miscarriages would be less frequent if women did not follow the unhygienic high heel style. Freedom from this fashion results in a general feeling of well-being that is otherwise impossible.
a) General Ideas: Although venereal infections are trans mitted in some cases by means of dishes, food, towels, and toilets, they are usually contracted through sexual intercourse. Furthermore, an individual infected with a venereal disease is not so great a menace to his friends when he is under the care and treatment of a doctor. The real, usual cause, of transmission of venereal disease is due to illicit sexual intercourse. “Innocent manners” and certain “faked medical certificates” frequently conceal a highly contagious case of venereal disease. This infection is encouraged and spread by bawdy houses (houses of ill-repute), certain types of hotels, and dance halls and restaurants, certain types of rooming-houses, etc. From the highly infectious cases frequenting these places, the contagion is carried from one locality to another leaving a trail of innumerable victims. It is unnecessary to add that an infected husband or wife passes it on to his or her partner.
b) Syphilis: i) Nature: This venereal disease is due to a germ which poisons the blood and thus obtains access to all organs, rendering diagnosis very difficult at the onset of the disease.
ii) Development – 1st stage: The germ enters the body by means of sexual contact but its effects are not immediately evident. For a period of about 25 days there is no apparent change. (This is the so-called “period of incubation.”) Then, suddenly, at the place of contact where the syphilis germ was acquired, a local inflammation appears, ordinarily causing no pain or distress. 2nd stage: During the second stage the germ spreads throughout the body, attacks the skin and the mucous membranes. This period may last 2 or 3 years. 3rd stale: This third and last stage lasts for the remainder of life if the patient is not treated. During this stage, the syphilis germ (after apparently remaining dormant for many years) attacks the vital organs of the body—brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc. A number of organic diseases are caused by syphilis.
iii) Transmission: Syphilis is a hereditary disease transmitted from parents to children. In nine cases out of ten, treatment of the future mother can prevent prenatal syphilis in the child. There is only one sure method of detecting syphilis: Examination of the mother’s blood before the fifth month of pregnancy.
A blood test performed by a physician is the only means of determining that an individual has or does not have a venereal disease. This applies only to syphilis.
iv) Treatment: Only a physician is able to prescribe the correct treatment for syphilis. Self-treatment or reliance on a “quack should be banned at all costs. Since syphilis is a very serious disease for the individual and others, there is, therefore, a serious obligation to seek proper medical treatment as soon as one has reason to fear syphilitic infection. Shame and shyness are no excuse! Simple duty imposed by. the conscience requires an immediate straight-forward consultation with a doctor.
c) Gonorrhea: i) Nature: Gonorrhea is a serious contagious disease caused by a germ called “gonoccus.” It is contracted almost always by sexual intercourse with an infected person. The disease manifests itself after a few days (2 to 5) by a burning sensation and a pussey discharge from the male urethra (in the female: from the vagina and the urethra). ii) Development: In a man: the onset of the disease takes place at the opening of the urinary canal. Unless immediate and effective treatment is obtained, the disease spreads to the posterior urethra, to the prostate and the bladder. Gonorrhea may even attack the testicles, causing an inflammation accompanied by severe pain. This complication frequently results in sterility. In a woman, the germ is deposited in the vagina but does not remain there long due to the refractory membrane covering. On the other hand, the urethra and neck of the uterus are vulnerable and the infection frequently penetrates into the Fallopian Tubes leading to the ovaries. The woman is henceforth sterile and her condition frequently demands surgical intervention.
Gonorrhea infection tends to become chronic. In the female, gonorrhea is not easy to diagnose. She may continue without any apparent symptoms but, as a rule, the disease manifests its presence by a burning sensation on urinating, by itchiness of the vulva, and by a yellow purulent discharge. Any discharge from the vagina should arouse suspicion.
iii) Treatment: The doctor alone is able to correctly diagnose this serious disease and treat it competently. If correctly treated, the disease is nearly always cured (75% to 80% of the cases) in fewer than 15 days. Rules to follow: (1) Consult a doctor at the first trace of symptoms. (2) Absolute cleanliness of the affected organs (repeated washing with boiling water); do not stop the flow by means of tight dressings or pads. (3) Avoid touching the eyes with soiled hands;, abstain from alcohol, effervescent beverages, coffee, tea, spiced dishes, acid fruit, fish, salt, meat, tomatoes, asparagus. Drink milk and plenty of water. (4) All sexual relations stopped for as long as the infection persists. (5) As much rest as possible; avoid walking or standing for prolonged periods. (6) Keep the bowels open. (7) Hands must be washed each time after handling the genitals so as not to contaminate others, particularly children; have towels, syringes, etc., for strictly personal use. The patient is not cured so long as a single gonococcus germ remains in the body; for that long the patient remains a source of infection for others.
d) For the new-born: If the mother suffers from gonorrhea, the eyes of the new born baby may be infected during delivery. This danger is foreseen by the doctor and care is taken then to place specific drops in the eyes in order to prevent this possible infection.
The intimacy of husband and wife imposes hygienic duties; love, fairness, dignity, and mutual respect make them a necessity. Since the relations between husband and wife should be facilitated and made agreeable, nothing shocking to the eyes or repugnant to the sense of smell should intervene to cause distress. Lack of elementary hygienic care of the sex organs can arouse in the partner such a feeling of disgust that he or she will develop a horror of communal life and even of sexual intercourse. The husband and wife should therefore make it a point of honour to scrupulously protect the health and cleanliness of their genital organs. They will be rewarded by the growth of a still stronger and more pleasant love. Continence which is necessary in married life also, will be rendered more easy; on the other hand, neglect of cleanliness often results in a disorderly life, dirty genital organs, irritation, foul odour, and illegitimate desires and imaginings.
It is an easy matter for a man to keep his sex organs clean. Should he, however, neglect this simple care, he may be punished by inflammation of the mucous membranes, abnormal growths, etc. A clean cloth dipped in cold water should be used to remove the secretions which accumulate around the gland. Concerning this, it is well to note that this care should be provided according to the need for it, and that soap and other chemical products should not be used.
Because of their exposed condition, the testicles should receive wise care since a sore may result in a dangerous disease and even sterility. Many men, due to their type of work or play, incur the risk of injury to the testicles. The use of a suspensory in such cases would supply considerable protection.
The woman should give special care to the cleanliness of her organs. A false sense of modesty may at times incline her to neglect this care but she should not permit this incomprehensible shame to lead her to overlook the cleanliness demanded by the needs of her nature. With a sponge dipped in warm water, it is a simple matter for her each morning to remove all the secretions accumulated in the organs. This part of her hygienic program should be maintained not only during the menstrual period, but at all times.
During the menstrual period, the use of “sanitary napkins” is highly advisable; they are a great help also in preserving cleanliness. Concerning the use of sanitary napkins that are inserted into the vagina, we suggest that the young woman consult her doctor. and her confessor.
Intercourse during the menstrual flow, apart from the fact that it is repugnant to the woman, can also provoke certain psychological disturbances. It is therefore advisable to forego intercourse at this time. The readiness of the husband to do so is one of the greatest proofs he can give his wife of the strength of his love.
We have already stated (See Hygiene for the girl) the general attitude to be taken concerning vaginal douches in general. These vaginal douches, taken before or after intercourse with the intention of destroying the seeds of human life, are classed as a contraceptive, and are therefore forbidden under pain of mortal sin.
The intimacy of marriage requires certain laws of sex temperance. To be guided simply by the caprice of passion without any reasonable control constitutes a hindrance to proper sanitary care as well as mutual or self respect. The sex appetite has its own distinctive traits The more we surrender to it, the more it demands. Its abuse often results in physical and moral ruin; the nerves, the brain, the spinal cord, are affected; various and terrible illnesses, often painful and incurable, are the price paid for sexual intemperance. Affected to the very core, the nervous system after a time responds but poorly to the stimulation; the strength is sapped, the character weakened, the intelligence and will become worn out, the heart sick. The fire of passionate carnal love may be awakened by a recent marriage or by reunion after a long separation; self-control and reason become imperative. As a general rule, five to eight times a month should satisfy the natural urge and need of this instinct. May we remember that a sexual life that is legitimate, calm, regular, governed by reason and hygiene, constitutes a source of continual freshness and prolonged youth. The husband and the wife find therein a renewal of their love and a pledge of mutual fidelity.
An animal, since it lacks reason, is guided in the use of its sexual organs by a mysterious instinct which prevents it from abusing this power. God, in creating man, granted to him a marvellous spiritual faculty, reason, which shows him the procedure to follow and the use to make of the faculties with which God has endowed him. For a human being to allow himself to be guided by the sex instinct alone, instead of by reasonn and will, would be to lower himself not only to the level of the animal, but even lower still. That which is demanded of each man and woman is all the more the obligation of the Christian, the adopted child of God, the brother and sister of Jesus Christ, having heaven itself as their inheritance.
You who are preparing for the holy state of Matrimony, take now the firm resolution that you shall always be worthy of your vocation. Do not picture marriage as a sort of easy-going, earthly paradise in which anything and everything is permissible in the way of sexual indulgence. On the contrary, look upon the intimacies of sexual pleasures in the real light in which they must be regarded and appreciated. Thus, ruled by reason and Christian faith, the legitimate pleasures of your state will be a source of happiness, of merit, and a pledge of a happy and fruitful life.
During this present lesson we have studied in general the different hygienic problems and care in the marriage state. You will have noticed in reading these lines the quantity of information devoted to the subject of hygiene. Nevertheless, it is only one of the many aspects of preparation for marriage, showing how completely and with what seriousness one should work and study to prepare for this state.
For this reason we strongly urge you to devote yourself to mastering these many aspects in order that you will thereby be able to regulate your home life more intelligently and hence more efficiently. Look to the future with confidence and prepare yourself courageously and generously if you wish to reap the rewards of a true and lasting love. Certainly, the days separating you from the momentous occasion now so rapidly drawing near should not be frittered away on trifles or idle day-dreams. A more positive program of preparation is entirely essential.
In the pursuit of such a program, you will have the conviction that you are fulfilling your duty, building a firm foundation for a home in which happiness, prosperity, and super-abundant living will abound, a home where the love of God reigns supreme in your own heart and in the souls that you will give to Him for an eternity of joy.