SEA BATHING.
When sea bathing can be obtained, it is even more conducive to the
health of the child than the fresh water plunge bath; for the sea water
is more tonic, stimulant, and bracing, than fresh. The period of the
year best adapted for sea bathing is the summer and autumn. The best
time of the day for bathing is two or three hours after breakfast;
except in very hot weather, when an earlier hour must be chosen.
Exercise is always useful previously to the bath; but it must be
gentle, so as not to induce fatigue or much perspiration, Then the bath
must be entered suddenly, with a plunge, inasmuch as an instantaneous
immersion produces a greater reaction than a gradual immersion.[FN#22]
The length of time of remaining in will depend upon circumstances. One
dip only is enough at the first bath. Subsequently the time of
remaining in the water may be prolonged, but this must be increased
gradually; the positive necessity of leaving the bath while there still
remains sufficient power of reaction being always kept in mind.
Exercise in the water, particularly that of swimming, is highly useful.
The body should be speedily and well dried, immediately upon coming
out; a rough jack towel is an excellent means of accomplishing this
purpose, while at the same time it insures considerable friction of the
surface of the skin.
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