Helpful Hints in the Care of Children.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 65

Helpful Hints in the Care of Children.

Convulsions are caused in a great number of cases by indigestion, worms, diarrhoea, or constipation. Birthmarks can gene^aily be removed by means of electricity. The sooner they are attended to the better. They are generally due to defective development of the blood vessels of the part.

Pickles and condiments, except salt, are quite unsuitable for children. The taste for them is an acquired one, and it is no hardship for them to do without. Wool clothing next the skin should bo worn by children. It reduces the risk of cold to a minimum. Boita are very ofte.i the result of takingtoo much animal food, though they may be caused by insufficient nourishment. In cases of influenza children should _bo kept in bod, and fed on very light, easijydigested food. This simple precation will often prevent complications. Too much starchy food is often the cause of constipation. Give very little bread, potatoes, etc., plenty cf green vegetables and fruit, and abundance of pure water to drink. '

Troublesome gtlands are a sign thai the blood is in an unhealthy condition. Children who suffer from them need abundance o£ fresh air, day and nig-ht, and nutritious food, and the bowels must be kept well open.

A slight squint can often* be entirely cured by a small operation. The earlier this is performed the bettor. Sometimes a squint ia the result of a-n illness, and gradually disappears as health returns.

Sulphur candles, which can be bought at any chemist's, are useful for disinfecting 1 rooms after illness.

Carbolic acid — one teaspoonful to one pint and a-half of water — is an excellent disinfectant for drains, sink-pipes, etc. Hot milk, as mucn as a pint and a-half daily, is excellent during the winter and spriixsr months for children who suffer from chilblains. It should be sipped slowly. Infection from chicken-pox lasts until all scabs have fallen off. As this is an exceedingly infectious disease, it is wise to isolate anyone suffering from it.

The most digestible form of bread and milk is made by cutting thin slices of bread, and pouring over them milk which has been brought just to the boil. Cover, and ler stand in a warm place a few minutes, and it is ready.

To prevent bed-sores the parts most likely to be affected should be washed twice a day with warm water and soap, thoroughly dried, and then gently rubbed with a little eau-do-Cologne and water mixed in equal proportions.

Children who suffer from fits should lead as quiet and healthy a life as possible. They need plenty of fresh air, daily exercise, and nutritious and digestible food. The. eyes very often need to be seen to. and sometimes a visit to an oculist and the wearing of proper glasses will do much to prevent the recurrence of attacks.

Infection in Handkerchiefs. — One constantly hears it said that colds are infectious, or, again, that it is the same weather conditions which affect many people similarly. However that may be, it is natural to suppose that any unusual excretions will <lo harm if allowed to spread their particles in Ihe air. Tako the case of a common cold in the head. When a handkerchief is damp with use, do not dry it and use it again. Put it immediately into a basin of strong brine. All the handkerchiefs used by the person who is affected should be treated in this way. On washing day, squeeze them out, and wash along with the other things. They are no*only more pleasant to handle after being steeped in brine, but they do not spread infection as them might do if put away dry among the other soiled linen.

Cayenne Tea for Coughs. — Simple prescriptions for the curinar of coughs and colds are always useful, and it may be of service to some who read this column to know o£ cayenne tea, with which ,we recently becamo acquainted. It is said to be not only an. excellent cure for a cough, but also a fine stimulant. It shoal 1, however, be taken cautiously — in tiny sips out of a teaspoon at first. To make the "tea," take as much cayenne as will cover a threepenny piece : ptit it into a teacup or breakfast cup, and fill the cup with boiling water Stir the cayenne about with a spoon, then let ifc settle at the bottom of the cup, and 6v© minutes later pour off the clear liquid, which will be impregnated with cayenne though the sediment has been discardecTt Rip the "tea" as it is. or add milk to it — • m fact, less water might bo used and n^ore milk, if preferred. The "tea" will, of course, be very hot, and can only be taken, in small sips. If it is too strong, add more milk or water: if it can be borne a little stronger, make tho next dose with less liquid. A few teasponnfi'ls taken two or throe tinaes a flay will, it is fWlareci. do wonders in curing- a cousfh ; and the "tea"' is al=;o rocommencT-pd to bs taken before a ooVl journey, as it will help to keep the body warm.