SOUND PHYSIQUE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20014, 12 August 1939, Page 7

SOUND PHYSIQUE

RECRUITS FOR ARMY BENEFITS FROM TRAINING NEGLECT OF TEETH (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The standard of physique of the men who had volunteered during recent months went far towards dispelling the idea that the youth of the country was tending to become weedy,- said a medical officer at Army headquarters, Wellington, in an interview to-day. The impression that had been ,gained by examining medical officers was that the health and physique of the recruits was on just as high a plane to-day as before the war. Figures were not, available, but it appeared that the percentage turned down because of physical disabilities was very small. One thing that had been established definitely was that a few months’ military training resulted in a considerable improvement in health and physique. Half-inch increases in height and increases in weight were frequent. Even one week in camp was sufficient to effect a marked improvement in the general health Of trainees. The more training the greater the improvement, as instanced -by the physique and health of members of the regular forces and of the territorial special reserve.

Examination of recruits had drawn attention to the appalling rapidity with which the teeth of many New Zealanders deteriorated. Good work was done by school dental clinics run by the Government, but it appeared there was a gap after school age, when lads in their teents were inclined to let their teeth go. Imperfect teeth did not necessitate the rejection of a recruit, but before a man could be accepted his teeth had to be put in order.