Nature and Importance.—Personal hygiene means preservation of health by attention to the care of the body. It is essential to keep the physical character of the soldier up to the proper standard. Military efficiency in an individual rests upon certain considerations, chief among which are health, strength, and activity. To secure and keep these qualities it is essential for every man to form such habits as experience has shown to be necessary. These habits are: personal cleanliness; regulation of diet; avoidance of excesses (particularly in eating, drinking, and sexual matters); wearing suitable clothing; keeping the bodily processes at work (kidneys, bowels, skin); taking sufficient exercise, preferably in the open air; devoting a proper part of each day to rest of body and mind, with recreation for the latter; maintaining the surroundings in which one lives, in a clean state. Anatomy and Physiology.—Personal Cleanliness.—The maintenance of personal cleanliness is even more necessary in the military service than in civil life. This is due in part to the violent exercises required of the soldier, with the resultant dirt and sweat, but especially because so many live together within a small space. Baths and Bathing.—The most important requirement to insure cleanliness is bathing. Hot and warm baths are soothing and best remove surface dirt; they are grateful means of reducing muscular soreness after exertion, and will often induce sleep in a restless, wakeful person. The most desirable means of bathing is perhaps in a tub in which the whole body may be immersed; in default of this and particularly in barracks, the shower-bath is very satisfactory. If means for complete bathing are not available, care should be given to the daily cleansing of the armpits, crotch and feet, as well as the hands and face. The hands should be washed after defecation and urination, lest they convey disease germs. The nails must be well kept and clean. On the march, if no water is available, a vigorous 'dry rub' with a coarse towel will be found refreshing as well as cleansing. The scalp should be washed at least once or twice a month and should be stimulated daily by brisk rubbing with a brush or the fingers. Care of the Teeth.—Every man should own a good tooth brush and use it with a tooth powder or mild antiseptic (listerine for instance) at least twice a day. If no tooth powder is available, wood ashes or wood charcoal make efficient substitutes. Clothing.—Since clothing (especially the underwear) when soiled with sweat and dust is irritating to the skin and gives off disagreeable odors, it is necessary to keep this as clean as the body. The soldier cannot keep his person clean if his garments are filthy. Therefore, whenever possible, the soiled clothing should be washed (and with soap if it can be had). If the articles are of wool, they should be washed in cold water and dried without wringing. On the march a man should have two suits of underclothes to wear on alternate days, thus ensuring cleanliness if the garments are regularly washed. If, at the end of the day's march, water is not available for this purpose, the garments should be dried, then beaten or well rubbed, and hung up in the air. Skin Diseases.—In campaign, skin diseases due to animal parasites—especially lice and the itch mite—usually make their appearance and cause much disgust and discomfort. They must be watched for and report of their presence promptly made to the medical officer. Diet.—The character of the food taken should vary in accordance with the conditions of bodily vigor, occupation, climate, and food values. A vigorous man, doing heavy work, requires more nourishment than one of delicate physique following a sedentary pursuit. Climate is an important factor. Men serving in Alaska need a large amount of fats to serve as fuel in maintenance of the temperature balance. Those on duty in the Philippines require a large proportion of sugars and starches. Excess in Eating.—Overeating gives rise to biliousness and other forms of dyspepsia and overloads the body tissues with waste matters. These wastes are irritant substances and are just as likely as alcohol to cause kidney disease, gout, obesity, and hardening of the arteries. Beefy, overfed men are especially liable to apoplexy. Excess in drinking means, to us all, overuse of drinks containing alcohol in some form. You will learn that the great majority of violations of discipline, trials by court-martial, and subsequent punishment in our army result from this particular excess. Habitual indulgence in alcohol brings as certain rewards a host of physical and mental ailments. Besides weakening men physically, alcohol tampers with their will power, disturbs their temper, and makes them less trustworthy even when sober. Sexual Indulgence.—It is the popular idea that a young man must exercise the sexual function to some extent in order that he may retain his vigor. This belief is not founded on fact, for the sexual act is not necessary to preserve the health or powers of a man. Not only is this true, but it is equally true that sexual indulgence by young unmarried men is responsible for an immense amount of disease and suffering. This disease and suffering is borne not only by the men themselves, but, in a large proportion of cases, by the innocent women whom they afterward marry and by their children. The wives may be, and often are, infected years after an apparent cure has resulted, and the children are born diseased. Masturbation.—The habit of masturbation is degrading and is likely to interfere with the normal development of the sexual organs. It may also be responsible for early loss of sexual power (impotence). Exercise.—A sufficient amount of exercise to maintain health is ordinarily provided by military drills and other duties requiring active movement. Nevertheless, the physical condition is further improved, muscular size and strength greatly increased, and the mental outlook rendered more cheerful by athletic exercises, whether in the open air or the gymnasium. Proper appreciation of the benefits of physical exercise may be gained by a mental comparison between the rugged condition of a man who exercises regularly, and the poorly developed muscles and sallow skin of another who has some occupation which keeps him indoors at work of a light sort. The improvement is brought about by the increased activity not merely of the muscles, but of every part of the body, including the heart, lungs, skin, digestive apparatus, etc. Like all good things, however, exercise may be overdone; excessive rapidity or irregularity of the heart's action and labored breathing are warnings to stop and rest. Soldiers in campaign—especially immature boys who are sometimes enlisted—are very liable to heart strain and an 'irritable' condition of that organ. Arteries.—A man is as old as his arteries, and some men grow old in this respect much sooner than the average, so care must be taken to suit the exercise to their condition. The amount and kind of exercise best suited to each must be determined, as these vary widely in different individuals. There are men who require the equivalent of a brisk 15-mile daily walk to keep in a satisfactory physical state, while the ordinary occupation of others suffices to maintain them in excellent health. Rest.—For the repair of damaged tissues and the relief of fatigue, a certain amount of rest for both mind and body is necessary. Different people vary considerably in their requirements, but it may be set down as a fair average that eight hours of sleep in each twenty-four hours are needed to keep the faculties at their best. In addition, work of any sort, physical or mental, must be intermitted by brief periods of relaxation. Mental overwork is very common in these days of complex civilization, and exhaustion of the nervous system (neurasthenia) takes a long time for its recovery. Recreation.—The risk of overtaxing the mind is greatly lessened by measures of recreation, which may take any proper form most agreeable to the individual. The cultivation of a fad is of especial value. The habit of worry, of 'crossing bridges before one comes to them,' must be avoided. Fits of 'the blues,' if yielded to, tend to increase in number and length and finally to unfit one for work. In garrison, on transports, and particularly in winter camps during war time, we must make provision for measures of recreation. These are essential to promote cheerfulness and contentment, to prevent ennui, and to lessen the tendency to abuse of alcohol and tobacco, gambling, and perversion of the generative function. Entertainments of all sorts, but more particularly those participated in by the men themselves, competitions and contests, reading rooms, and opportunities for following and learning mechanical trades must be provided. Cleanliness of Surroundings.—It is not sufficient merely to keep our bodies in a state of cleanliness by the measures previously outlined. We must also keep our surroundings—the house and grounds in which we live—well 'policed,' as the expression goes in our military service. It is self-evident that where people live—especially where many people are congregated in a small space—there much dirt will collect. This refers not so much to earthy particles as to the so-called organic materials which are derived from animal and vegetable sources. Under this head fall the body discharges, refuse from the kitchen, spit, decaying flowers and weeds, cigar stubs, floor and stable sweepings, and the like. These must be received in vessels specially kept for them and frequently removed, or they give off foul odors, pollute the ground, attract hosts of flies, and act as breeding-places for the germs of disease.
Key Takeaways
- Maintain personal cleanliness through regular bathing and grooming.
- Follow a balanced diet that varies according to physical activity, climate, and occupation.
- Get adequate exercise for both physical and mental well-being.
- Keep surroundings clean to prevent the spread of disease.
Practical Tips
- Regularly wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
- Ensure you have a good toothbrush and use it daily with toothpaste or an antiseptic like Listerine.
- Wear clean, well-fitting clothing that allows for proper circulation and comfort.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to maintain kidney health.
- Take breaks from work and mental tasks to avoid overexertion and stress.
Warnings & Risks
- Avoid overeating as it can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems.
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption, as it can weaken your body and affect your judgment.
- Do not neglect proper rest; inadequate sleep can lead to mental fatigue and decreased performance.
- Maintain a clean living environment to prevent the spread of diseases.
Modern Application
The principles outlined in this chapter on personal hygiene remain relevant today, especially for those preparing for survival situations. While modern sanitation techniques have improved, the importance of cleanliness, balanced diet, exercise, and rest remains crucial. The chapter's emphasis on avoiding excesses like alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are timeless lessons that can help individuals prepare for both short-term emergencies and long-term survival scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended frequency for bathing in this chapter?
The chapter recommends daily cleansing of armpits, crotch, feet, hands, and face. It also suggests taking a full bath or using a shower when possible.
Q: How can one avoid overeating according to the chapter?
The chapter advises eating slowly until food is thoroughly chewed and mixed with saliva, avoiding overloading your stomach, and stopping before you feel completely full.
Q: What are some practical ways to maintain personal cleanliness on a march or in the field?
On marches without water, the chapter suggests using a coarse towel for a 'dry rub' as an alternative to bathing. Regularly cleaning armpits, crotch, and feet is also recommended.
Q: What are the risks of sexual indulgence according to this chapter?
The chapter warns that excessive sexual activity can lead to disease, suffering, and even impotence in young unmarried men, affecting both themselves and their future partners and children.
Q: How does the chapter suggest dealing with mental overwork?
The chapter recommends engaging in recreational activities and avoiding worry or 'crossing bridges before one comes to them' as a way to prevent mental exhaustion and maintain overall well-being.