Holiday Health.

Christmas and the summer holiday season are drawing nearer, and one longs for the freedom of the out-of-doors, with the invigorating tonic of sunshine and sea, country or mountain air. Bathing and swimming, sunbathing, tramping, etc., will become the order of the day.

Sea bathing is one of our most popular pastimes, as well as being most beneficial from a health point of view.

When bathing is first indulged in early in the season, five to ten minutes is quite long enough to stay in the water. This time should be gradually increased. One should not stay in the water until one shivers and becomes blue. It is not good, especially for young children, to run in and out of the water and to play about in a wet bathing suit. In this way they may get a severe chill. After a bathe it is well to have a brisk rub down with a coarse towel, and put on dry garments.

A most important point to remember is that one should not bathe for at least two hours after a meal.

Saving the Skin.—Precautions should be taken in the early days of sun-bathing to avoid a badly sun-burned and blistered skin. Injudicious exposure to strong sunlight causes unnecessary pain and discomfort. Gradual exposure to the early morning or late afternoon sun should be the rule, avoiding the strong mid-day sun. Commence the first day with ten page 60 minutes, five minutes for the front of the body and five minutes for the back. The second day allow another five minutes, gradually increasing each day until the skin is well tanned. Wear a light, wide-brimmed hat to protect the eyes and the back of the head and neck. Children's sun-baths should always be supervised, and they should be supplied with a rubber ground sheet so as to avoid chills.

Usually as a result of exposure to wind and sun, a fair, delicate skin becomes red and roughened. A generous application of cold cream, olive or coconut oil to the affected parts at bedtime is soothing, and will help to keep the skin smooth and soft. If the skin shows signs of blistering, soak small pieces of soft old rag in carron oil (equal parts linseed oil and lime water) and apply to the affected part. Bandage to keep in position.

For those who are fond of long walks, it is necessary to pay attention to the feet. The skin may be hardened by daily massage with methylated spirits or eau-de-cologne. It is a good plan to dust the feet with a little talcum or boracic powder, and also to shake a little into the feet of your stockings. This will keep the feet cool and comfortable. It is well to accustom your feet to the footwear to be worn on these occasions by a few preliminary tramps.

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