=Croup.=--As a rule, croup may be quickly cured by the use of either hot or cold water. Immediately the child begins to breathe hard and cough with a dry, hollow, barking cough, wring out a towel from cold water and apply around the throat, covering this with a dry towel. The wet towel should be changed in a few minutes, just as soon as it becomes a little warm. Often before the second cloth is removed the spasm will be broken, and the danger passed. _Cool_ water will not answer; it must be _cold_. If the spasm does not break, and the breathing does not become easy within fifteen or twenty minutes, then change to hot water. Wring out the cloth from water as hot as can be borne and apply about the neck, changing in a few moments, and so on.
=How to Lose Flesh.=--I have often been asked whether it were possible to have the flesh reduced without in any way affecting the general health. If the person be only slightly heavier than usual, and is in the best of health, it certainly seems wrong to experiment in any way to reduce the weight, especially when this is done only to better follow the dictates of fashion.
If, however, the excess of flesh is becoming so great as to be uncomfortable, to interfere with the regular work, or to cause weak action of the heart, etc., then something should be done. There are a few rules which a person may follow to advantage in such cases, although the change should be made gradually.
So long as a person continues to gain in flesh, it is positive evidence that more food is being taken than necessary. Therefore the first rule is that the quantity of food should be gradually diminished.
The second rule is that exercise should be taken regularly. This will keep up the general health, while it will cause the fat to be more evenly distributed over the body. Another rule is to keep the bowels well open, so that there may be at least two movements daily. For this special purpose the mineral laxative waters are best.
=Diet for Reducing the Flesh.=--Fatty foods should be avoided, and so should all drinks in excess. Foods containing sugar or starch should be taken sparingly, as oatmeal, potatoes, rice, cakes, sweetened tea and coffee. Milk is very fattening to many, hence should not be used. The eminent Dr. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, instituted a course of treatment for reducing the weight, which is quite rigid, but nevertheless effective. The regular diet should be changed gradually until it meets Dr. Mitchell's demands.