NEW ZEALAND CHILD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20743, 14 June 1929, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND CHILD.

SLENDER. LOOSE-LIMBED. k MEDICAL OFFICER’S REPORT. In a report on New Zealand children, Dr H. B. Bakewell, school medical officer, says: “New 'Zealand appears to be producing a type of individual with characteristics more closely resembling those of the ‘ thin ’ type—a slender, looselimbed, perhaps rather ungainly-looking child, compared'to the stocky type. . . This is borne out by previous investigation* show that in New Zealand children the standing height is increased compared to sitting height. Granted that this type-may not come up to the Esthetic and other standards of the sturdy type, is it for practical purposes so much inferior? It is a common experience to find the ‘staying potvera . of the thin, lanky child, if anything, superior to those of the stocky type; its resistance to ordinary infections as good or even betterl have noticed often that the chest mobility and lung expansion are excellent. “It might be asked .to what degree winged shoulders are detrimental to health. They are known to be present in children and adults who have exceptionally good health and powers of endurance. With regard to alterations in spinal curvatures Kerr states ' four-fifths of the recorded cases of spinal curvature are normal physiological variations due ,to the human being not being absolutely symmetrical.’ In fact, it is really rather difficult to define what is exactly the normal posture, of a child at a certain age.” Commenting on the school medical officer’s report. Dr Ada Paterson, director school hygiene‘division, states: “We have ’noted two findings which demand attention because of tbeir practical importance. (1) The young New Zealand child of school age is apparently of a looselimbed elastic type which responds readily to' environmental influences, particularly such influences as habitual posture, exercise, and rest. (2) Nearly all defects of posture are noted to be greater in the 7-8 year old group. “ It must be remembered that at this age period, which is one of acclerated growth, instability of posture may tend naturally to be increased, but we must consider also whether the greater percentage of postural defect- found in the 7-8. year old group is not a result of a school curriculum making too great a demand upon the sensitive and immature body of the entrant child. There is undoubtedly an intimate relationship between nutrition and posture, and we recognise that it is the wrongly-fed, insufficiently-rested child that most readily develops physical deformity. The fatigued nervous systeju is expressed in general bodily slackness.. There is deficient muscular ligamentous tone. The typical faulty posture is thus acquired with drooping head, flat chest, wing shoulders, prominent abdomen. Vitality is depressed and the , bodily mechanism out of gear. For the prevention of defect a simple routine is needed where adequate rest, alternates with free exercise and play, and where full advantage is taken of sunlight, fresh air, and suitable food. The school curriculum should permit of this. It is essential that the class room should offer hygienic conditions-—o.g., good lighting and ventilation, suitable furniture, etc. “Few young children get sufficient rfllt, Absolute relaxation in the recumbent position for half-hour daily would be n boon to primer children, arid also to all fatigue, “The ultimate test of physical perfection must ho the reaction of tho individual to life. Many defects of posture noted are almost certainly only of aesthetic importance since physical and mental endujranoe are often found in association with an unathletic frame.”