HOW TO GET STRONG
And how is it with their mothers? They come from the same classes; have many characteristics of their fathers—size, color, temperament, and so on; are one-handed; and are stronger on one side than on the other. In the poorer classes their life is one of work, often of overwork and drudgery; and in half-lighted, ill-ventilated apartments. Among those better off, they do not work enough; and though of vigorous parents, are not themselves strong.
Thoroughly healthy, hearty women are not common among us. Physicians know this. American women are not good walkers. And horse-car and trolley; cable and elevated roads help to keep them so. They are astonished when they hear of some lady who walks from five to ten miles a day; and thinks nothing of it. One such effort would be too much for many, indeed for most of our women; while nearly all of them would not get over its effects for days. Yet many English and Canadian ladies exercise that much daily from choice; find the strength, and health and zest; and the general feeling of efficiency it brings; and would not give it up. No regular exercise is common among most of our women which makes them use both their hands alike; and is yet vigorous enough to add to the size and strength of their shoulders, chests, and arms. House-work brings the hands a good deal to do; even though the washing and ironing, bread-making and sweeping are left to hired help. The care of children adds more. But too often both the house-work and the looking after the children are sources of exertion. Were the woman strong and full of vigor, she would turn each off lightly; and would still be fresh and hearty at the end of the day.
Both the father, and the mother, seem to look at it in
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