habit should be formed early in life, but if neglected at that time, the adolescent may, by diligent attention to this need, acquire regularity.
The diet should contain a sufficient amount of coarse foods, such as whole wheat or graham bread, oatmeal, cornmeal, green vegetables and fresh fruits, to stimulate the activity of the intestines in a normal way. Of the fruits, prunes, figs, dates, apples, oranges, peaches, plums, pears and grapes are especially valuable. Water should be drunk frequently. A glass of cool water about a half-hour before breakfast is particularly effective, in conjunction with the other measures recommended.
The disorders of menstruation, and some other of its peculiarities, will be referred to in Chapter XI, under Sexual Disorders of Women.
THE MENOPAUSE
The menopause (climacteric), or "change of life," denotes the end of the reproductive period in woman's life. While the principal phenomenon is the permanent cessation of the menstrual flow, there are usually general disturbances, and nervous reactions. It is a period of readjustment in which the organism adapts itself to new conditions in the cycle of life. Among the general symptoms are flushings, also giddiness, headaches, faintness and pains in the back. Probably many of the bad results could be avoided and the inconveniences minimized if a more rational viewpoint prevailed upon the nature of the change.
After all it is a perfectly natural course and if accepted as we should accept any normal course of life, with equanimity, understanding and courage, the process of adjustment would be much easier, and many of the really serious results now
