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Show HEALTH BV UNCLE SAM, M. D. Health Questions Will Be .Answered .An-swered If Sent to Information Bureau, U. S. Public HeaJth Service, Serv-ice, Washington, O. C. I 1 I i sup 1TIOX. The cause of constipation In the nb-I nb-I oi orgs ii diet le It due chiefly to the loss of tone and activity of tho muscular coat of the Intestines, the u nction of which Is to keep the Intestines In-testines active during the digestion of food and to remove from tho body waste resulting largely from digestion Constipation Is usually the result of sdentary habits, Improper food and intemperance In eating and drinking I nless this subject is given proper consideration In early life, chronic ccnstlpation. which Is SZCeOdlngly dif- ficuM to overcome, frequently follows. In general the preventive measures t elate to the proper care of the body. i personal hygiene, especially the use of suitable and simple tood. sufficient water find. most important of all, plenty of regular exercise In the open nr. preferably walking. Whole grain frod. which stimulates the Intestinal tract, and plenty of vegetables and fruit aid in preventing constipation Oatmeal Is very valuable in this way It constipation porsl.ils there Is some reason for It. and a physician iould be consulted If the- services of a physician are not available, some I harmless nt may be employed fori temporary purposes. Probably the best of these Is castor oil. licorice j powder or one of the saline laxatives j may also be used. On the other hand, nothing Is more pernicious than the continued use of cathartics, and the temptation In this direction Is very great, for they are advertised everywhere These drugs not only do not relieve the constipation, constipa-tion, but as a rule aggravate It. oo |