It has ruined the health of hundreds of thousands, simply because they couldn't find anything that would do any good. The Misery It Has Caused Kept them from getting much enjoyment out of life, sapped their strength and vitality, left them more or less helpless, robbed them of the ability to provide for themselves and families.
It has probably kept more people from doing their best work than any other one affliction.
It has kept many from doing any kind of work whatever.
It has cheated American workingmen—all those who have been its victims—out of vast sums of wages. For there's a big difference between what a badly ruptured man can do and earn, and the earnings of one who is sound and strong.
Some employers won't even hire a man if they know he is ruptured—afraid he'll have to be so careful of himself that he can't do a good day's work.
Rupture has kept lots of business and professional men down—
By robbing them of part of their efficiency, it has robbed them of the chance to get farther along; robbed them of money they might have made. For no man can be at his best in any capacity if his rupture is bothering him—the drain on the strength is too great.
It has interfered with the pleasures of thousands.
Deprived them of recreation, kept them from taking part in athletics, kept them from getting proper exercise because they have known of no way to escape the danger that lies in sudden movements.
It has made the lives of many women a burden; made it hard for them to do their work or to enjoy social affairs; deprived many of them of the blessings of motherhood.