RULES OF HEALTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18942, 13 February 1925, Page 7

RULES OF HEALTH.

Sir, —May I call attention to some of • the factors tending to lower the power of health-resistance to disease in children : (li The modern injudicious feeding, overuse of tinned foods with their chemicals and bought cooked food, because it saves trouble; (2) neglect of home sanitation and personal hygiene (nose, mouth, stomach and bowels); (3) over indulgence of late hours, and eating late at slight (sweets, etc.); (4) many of the picture halls have been built in old backyards in cities, and so built that no sunlight ever enters; defective drains and ventilation; some of them the happy homes of fleas and other vermin; (5) overcrowding in schools—no efficient ventilation, only draughts, and too often on account of the expense, not overclean; (6) many children in the country work from 4 a.m. till night, and are'little old people from want of sleep and play; (7) the modern idea of parenthood is leading to the neglect of children and homes. The young people are not getting the proper care and home training; so many parents think they can indulge 'ill all the pleasures of youth, combined with the responsibilities to their homes and children; (8) the interference with the natural balance of life in nature, by the destruction of bird life and useful insects by the reckless use of poisonous sprays, etc. These are some of the factors which I think are causing the increased virulence of epidemics, such as influenza, appendicitis, and infantile paralysis. If so, the remedy is chiefly in the hands of parents. They must try to observe some of tho old well-tried rules of duty to their homes and children. Experience.