Blood is the most important fluid in the human body. The normal blood contains from about five million red blood cells to six million, in each cubic millimeter. The blood of women contains slightly less than that of men. The body of a woman is smaller and needs fewer red blood cells. Red blood cells grow in the bone marrow. The blood contains fluid matter called plasma which contains some solid substances that settle out, leaving the serum. An examination of the blood is a vital part of any complete physical examination. The doctor may obtain the blood from a puncture of the ear or finger or by putting a needle into a vein. He counts the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the blood platelets; he may determine the amount of sugar or protein in the blood as a whole; he detects the amount of hemoglobin, or red coloring matter. The blood carries the anti-substances against infections, it provides the tissues with oxygen and nutrients and it carries waste matter to the kidneys, where such waste matter is eliminated. It is also responsible for carrying the hormones, or substances of the glands of internal secretion, to various parts of the body. The total amount of blood is equal to about one-thirteenth of the body weight. Of this 78 per cent is water and 22 per cent solid.*12/318/5*
Stand upright, as erect as you can without any feeling of awkwardness or strain, then swing the
Here there may be a temporary difficulty, because the very movements which can be so effective arms slowly forward and upward until they are level with the shoulders. At the same time, breathe in and draw the tummy upward into the chest. Reverse, breathing out steadily and allowing the abdomen to relax. This movement produces a powerful activation of the ribs, which can in turn improve markedly the composition of the blood.
As a more advanced exercise, extend the same movements so that the arms are carried right above the head, and rise on the toes towards the end of the swing so that everything is raised as high as possible — hands, arms, head, shoulders, chest and abdomen. Repeat until comfortably tired.
Most heart conditions can be improved by intelligently and progressively applied arm and shoulder excesses. These have the double effect of opening out the chest, so that there is more space within for heart and lungs to function, and of inducing a much more active circulation through the ribs. We usually find that after a prolonged spell of depression — physical, nervous or emotional — the whole rib-cage has sagged, giving a flattened and cramped chest. This is the typical attitude of a long-standing heart patient, and there can be a gratifyingly rapid sensation of relief once the more active and open chest has begun to develop.
Here there may be a temporary difficulty, because the very movements which can be so effective in mobilizing the chest can also cause quite acute distress when first attempted. In this case, patience and perseverance are required. Start with the arms bent, finger-tips on the shoulders, and raise the elbows in time with inspiration for a few repetitions. Gradually increase the number o movements in each session, then try a few with the arms extended. In time the full range of movement, with quite vigorous action, should become possible. In occasional cases, it may be necessary to seek skilled assistance to loosen over-tense neck and shoulder muscles before these exercises can be effectively carried out.
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