HEALTH NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 December 1928, Page 9

HEALTH NOTES

CLEANLINESS(Contributed by Health Department). Habitual disregard - of cleanliness, whether .in the individual or his surroundings is responsible for. much that is disagreeable and of social disadvantages, states the. booklet oil -Health Education, Board of Education, England. Uncleanliness is the cause, directly or indirectly, of many ailments and diseases. It is necessary to inculcate in children a love of cleanliness through its habitual practice, and to train th mi to understand its significance in the life of the hML vidua I and the community. I'he child should not come to school with dirty face, hands, or body. Habitual uncleanliness must lie distinguished from occasional uncleauliness. AU Ijealthy boys and girls will get themselves dirty, and the healthier the child and the more active its life in work and play the more likely it is to become dirty at times. Uncleanliness of the body hinders its proper functioning, aggravates skin disease, and may complicate a slight scratch, cut or blister ivith inflammation, and even blood poisoning. >.lt may also beget a characteristic and unpleasant smell in the schoolroom or bedroom. Dirty hands or nails may convey germs to the mouth or to food. Uncleanliness of the head is not only disagreeable, but it spoils the character of the hair and often gives rise to sores, from which the glands of the neck may become affected. Uncleanliness of the nose and blocking of the nasal pasages may contribute to inoutu breathing, nasal catarrh, or even adenoids. Uncleanliness of the eyes may cause’ their inflammation and produce or aggravate the condition of sore eyelids "and eyebrows. Uncleanliness of the ears may lead to earache and inflammation and increase the seriousness of discharge from the ear. Uncleanliness of the mouth produces decay of the teeth ami swelling of the gums; harm may result through interference with proper biting of the food, by the swallowing of septic matter from the gums and teeth, and by the absorption of poisons, all of which give rise to ill-health and disease. Uncleanliness or constipation of the bowel is the root of much evil.

SOCIAL .EFFECTS. We may refer to the following points :—The unpleasantness and risk to other people of uncleanliness • fleas and lice flourish in dirty surroundings ; refuse left lying about forms’a breeding place for flies; and these carry germladen dirt which they deposit on food, and particularly in milk ; stagnant water breeds mosquitoes; polluted water is a source of disease- We know that the iincleanliuess caused by oui coal fires and factory boilers poisons and pollutes the atmosphere; windows in houses, schools, and workshops get covered with dirt and dust, which tend to keep out the light and the sun s rays; unclean houses retain infection. Sore throats, catarrhal conditions, and consumption are more frequently me with in factories where dusty conditions prevailWe Jive in houses for shelter from rain, wind, and cold. The sanitary condition of the house is a P rincl P a 2 condition of personal health- the sanitary house should be (1) free from serious'dampness ; (2) should be sa t |S ' factor.ilv lighted and ventilated; (0) properly drained and provided with adequate sanitary conveniences, and with a sink and suitable arrangements for disposing of slop water ; and ( ) in good general repair. The house should have (5) a satisfactory water supply; (6) adequate washing accommodation ; (7) adequate facilities fm preparing and cooking food; and a well-ventilated store for food. It should be situated on good porous soi or well-drained clay. Windows suou < be made to open, and cross • should be always maintained. rooms should not contain too many small articles of furniture nor many curtains or bed-hangings.