THE PROBLEMS OF HEALTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18222, 16 October 1922, Page 6

THE PROBLEMS OF HEALTH.

Civilised peoples do not pay sufficient attention to the necessity for preserving their health. Much has been done in the improvement of general sanitation, remarkable advances have been made in medioal science, elaborate measures have been devised for combating epidemic diseases, but the safeguarding of the individual's health, which is a matter of daily concern and of mutual sohcitation whenever friends meet, is largely left to chance. It is in this humble, but important, field that Dr. Truby King is waging his campaign, and from the work that he has done in Auckland during the last fortnight it is possible to judge the national value of his efforts. . No doubt many people have appreciated his definite prescriptions, but a greater success will have been won if all who. have heard or read reports of his addresses are aroused from lethargic acceptance of ill-health as the normal state of civilised man. Dr. King recognises that we do not want to " get back to nature," and that it is too late to re-establish tho simple life. But he maintains that having handicapped ourselves with a burden of artificial conditions— housing, clothing and feeding—we must employ effective antidotes against their enervating and destructive results. He insists that Aucklanders need not envy the more bracing climate of Otago. The r.orthern Maoris were physically perfect under exactly similar, if not greater, climatic handicaps. To-day neither Europeans nor Maoris can revert to the flax mat and the fern root, but instead of submitting to the climate they can exploit it to the very great advantage of their health and happiness. The central point of Dr. King's teaching is cold bathing, and this part of New Zealand should have no difficulty in following his guidance all the year round. This emphasis is not misplaced, for Dr. King's report of his inquiries among Auckland children suggests that the traditional devotion of the Englishman to his morning tub is fast falling into legend. It is much the same with swimming. Ability to swim is highly esteemed, but its application is neglected, and there are not adequate facilities for the needs of the population, though the natural advantages are greater than any other part of the Dominion possesses. New Zealanders are undoubtedly a healthy and vigorous people, but the exactions of civilisation are increasing, and due heed must be given to the maintaining of fitness and efficiency. For the sake of the rising generation, Dr. King's work is worth doing and his advice worth following.