heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. Degeneration of tissues is
normally a condition typical of old age, and in aged persons it may
occur in any tissue. There is no elixir of youth, and for old age there
is no cure. But the important facts in this connection are that
degenerative changes now occur prematurely, and that among a vast number
of people, in various classes of society and various occupations, the
vital organs show a marked tendency to break down after the age of 45.

This condition is not inevitable. Before the beginning of the present
war, death rates at all ages were decreasing in England, Sweden, and
other European countries. In America also degenerative diseases can be
checked or prevented to a large extent, and it is highly important that
their causes should be generally understood.

The two groups following include some of the probable causes:

1. Conditions of life which result in continued overwork, and mental
overwork in particular; worry, excitement, insufficient recreation and
exercise, and other kinds of nervous strain typical of modern life,
especially in cities.

2. Irritating substances in the body, including poisonous substances
resulting from infectious diseases, and from syphilis in particular;
poisons from chronic infections, alcohol, and industrial poisons such
as lead and other metals; overeating and improper eating, especially of
meat and other proteins, and rich or highly seasoned food; faulty
digestion, constipation, and imperfect elimination through the
kidneys.--(See Dr. A. E. Shipley, in bulletin of the N. Y. City Dept. of
Health, Feb., 1915.)

The importance of early recognition cannot be overemphasized. In many of
these troubles the symptoms are not pronounced, and the victims have no
knowledge of their condition until they happen to be examined for life
insurance, or until the disease is far advanced. And even when they
realize that trouble exists, as for example constipation or overwork,
most people absolutely fail to realize how serious the consequences may
be. The first step toward remedy is periodic complete physical
examination by a competent physician, in order to learn in time how to
prevent these degenerative diseases, if present, from growing worse. The
custom of undergoing an annual physical examination is becoming more
common, and "such a course, conservatively estimated, would add 5 years
to the average life of persons between 45 and 50."--(Winslow.)

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