HEALTH NOTES.

Franklin Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 40, 4 April 1928, Page 2

HEALTH NOTES.

TUBERCULOSIS. PREVENTION OF INFECTION. Contributed by the Department of Health.) It is generally recognised that many indvduals become victims to tuberculosis either in early years or adult life owing to their having been exposed to infection from that disease in their own homes during childhood. We also know that the disease could be prevented in the majority of instances by providing suitable treatment for those who would otherwise become affected It is essential therefore that every precaution be taken to safeguard the children of households where an inmate is a sufferer from tuberculosis.

The following measures are advocated :—ln the first place, parents and guardians are urged to do their best

to arrange that the child should sleep, work, and play as much as possible in the fresh air. If possible let the child sleep out of doors on a verandah or balcony or in a proper open-air shelter. This probably of more importance than any other single measure. The child should avoid stuffy, overheated places of entertainment. Fresh air and sunshine are his best friends. The child must have adequate rest. ! Dr Blackmore, medical superintendent Cashmere. Hills Sanatorium, writes: "T am convinced that at the present day very many children have their resistance to tuberculosis broken down through not getting sufficient rest in the twenty-four houurs." Children nderu ten years of age should sleep twelve hours, those under thirteen should sleep eleven, hours, and thoso over thirteen at least ten to eleven hours. These children, especially if of the slight, highly strung type, should be encouraged to lie down for an hour on their return from school, and for little children a morning rest is desirable as well. Do not allow reading, talking, or tovs during these rests. See that they do not frequently and persistently overtire or overstrain themselves. Indulgence even in such an excellent thing as sports must be reasonable, not excessive. Weigh the child regularly and see that it gams weight satisfactorily. If this is not so. consult the doctor in order to find out the cause.

Further Advice.

Food should simple, nutritious, and well cooked, and should include wholesome bread, butter, fresh vegetables, fruit, a little fresh cooked meat, and a pint of fresh milk daily. Cod liver oil and malt are not necesary if the child's weight is satisfactory If otherwise, the doctor may recommend them. See that the child has a satisfactory daily movement of the bowels. After any illness (such as measels, influenzt, etc.) or any operation (as removal of tonsils and adenoids), see that recovery is complete before the child returns to school. Do not an any account make an invalid of the child; do not alarm the child, and do not alarm yourself. Remember that children are very sensitive to suggestions, and reflect their elders 1 state of mind unconsciously. It is therefore most important for parents not to worry themselves and not to allow •children to think there is any need for worry.

The above may be summarised into four "Do's" and four "Don'ts',, namely: Do's: (1) Open air sleeping and living; (2) adequate rest: (3} simple and nourishing food: (4) gain weight normally. Don'ts: Don't allow the child to be persistently overtired; (2) don't let the child return to school after any illness till complete convalescence is undoubted; (3) don't alarm yourself or the child; (4) don't allow the child to frequent, stuffy places of entertainment, i