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Climatic Treatment of Disease: Western North Carolina as a Health Resort

items 13 of 25 items
  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-13970.jpg
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  • When our present knowledge of infectious diseases is thus reviewed, are we to ignore, as some recent writers have done, the entire question of benefit to be obtained from climatic change? On the contrary, it appears, therefrom, that we have sufficient data by which to add, emphasize and encourage climatic investigations and confirm previous experience, even if the theories, under which it was sought, do not prove true. Equability and dryness of the air are certainly important, well recognised factors in the alleviation of the respiratory tract, and this alone is sufficient to make these conditions of value, in the selection of a residence for such invalids. Atmospheric moisture, in cloud or vapor, is detrimental by lessening the sunlight, and the clear skies of any land are justly prized. This is sometimes called the diathermacy of the atmosphere, and this is increased by the rarefaction of the air. Nearly every one has observed the intensified effect of the sun's rays at high altitudes. Clinical observations teach that on the invalid able to endure it, active-out-of-doors exercise, in elevated localities, has an especial invigorating effect upon the respiratory function and apparatus; the circulation is improved, thereby increasing the oxydation of the tissues, as well as producing a better cellular nutrition and elimination of the effete material. The lowering of the atmospheric pressure also tends to diminish the circulation of the deeper tissues, which in certain conditions of the organs is of great importance—as for example, in renal, hepatic, or cerebral congestions—while, on the other, hand, the blood- flow to the surfaces is greatly augmented, an important factor in conditions of defective, or perverted cutaneous nutrition. The effect of this is shown in increased appetite and improved digestion, until the imperfectly prepared food, too often forced by necessity, to supply the demand, is taken with a relish
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).