Nursery Notes.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 76

Nursery Notes.

Earache. — A good dose of castor oil will often euro a child's earache. I have known this sinipli remedy effect a cure quicker than anything else. At the same time pour a little olive oil from a teaspoon into the ear, then cover it with a pad of heated cotton-wool bandaged or. with flannel. If the vain continues severely* or returns in

a few hours after this treatment, a doctor should be sent for.

Care of the Lungs. — Never allow babies or young children to lie continually in one position, especially on the back. Too prolonged lying flat upon the back proved tobe one of Ihe principal causes of mortality in the Foundling Hospital of Paris, by pvodiicing congestion and inflammation of the lungs, because the blood gravitated to the hacik of the chest. Change of position and movements of the limbs are absolutely necessary for the development of the internal organs, as well as for the strengthening of the muscles. Care of the Teeth.— Children's first set of teeth should be taken care of, so that they may last as long as possible. It is sometimes thought superfluous to take much care of them, as "they are only the first sot." Remember that under the first set the second set arc, as it were, breeding in the gums, but the second set — when all cvt — consists of 32, the first sei but of 20 teeth. Much more space is, therefore, needed for the second lot of teeth, and it is very important for their w-ellbeing that the jaw should be as much developed as possible before they push through the gum. For this reason the longer the first set can bo retained in good condition the 'better. For preservation of the teeth thorough brushing twice a day with "tepid wtae'r and precipitated chalk (which can be bought by the pound for a very few pence at any drug store) is important, but — bear this in mmd — good teeth depend more on good blood and sound health than on anything else. Anaemia, for instance, is a deadly foe to the teeth, if you wish your children to have good teeth don't depend altogether on tooth brushes and powders. See that they have good blood and bone-making foods — plenty of milk, ■ eggs, oatmeal, and lentils. These all contain lime, iron, and fat, which are the basis of pure blood and strong bone. Tooth Powders. — Ths reason why precipitated chalk is so good for the teeth is that, being an alkali, it neutralises the acid secretions of th© mouth. It can be soentec^ if desired, with a little orris -root. Tooth powder containing camphor should never be used; it makes the teeth brittle. A Much-neglected Point.— Tha position of the body while sitting at lessons has a great effect on the health. If the back is curved the lungs are contracted. This is inevitable. When the lungs are contracted their capacity for taking in a proper _ quantity of air is interfered with, and in consequence ihe purification of the blood is seriously interfered with. The back should be flat, not round. Books and copybooks should be elevated on a sloping desk, so that the child cannot bend over them. It would bo a good plan if children could, while at lessons, be strapped with soft broad straps to straight-backed chairs, so that stooping would be made impossible. This would also have a most beneficial effect on the eyesight, for it is very injurious to the eyes to bend the head at a right angle over work of any kind. _ It causes an undue determination of blood into the eye, which often does permanent harm to the sight. Round Shoulders. — Do not scold children for stooping at meal times. It is generally children who are inherently delicate who get into these ungraceful habits ; their backs are weak, <-nd need the support of chestexpanding braces — not fault-finding. Strapping to a straight-backed chair, as already recommended, will be found an excellent prevention of stooping at m-eal times. A cold douche down the spine every morning, followed by brisk rubbing with a rough towel, is an excellent back strengthener.

How to Sleep Well. — How many overworked and nervous people there are who have the greatest difficulty in getting to sleep when they go to bed. Nervous people who are troubled with wake fulness usually have a tendency to blood in the brain, with cold feet. It is the pressure of blood on the brain that keeps it in a stimulated and wakeful state. Overworked and business men and women must, when they go to bed, make up their mLids not to think of their work. This is the first great point. A short, quick -vralk before eoiiig to bed and a good sponge and rubbing 1 with a rough towel will both aid in equalising the circulation and promoting sleep. Rubbing the whole body with a towel is especially helpful. Then the ventilation of the bedroom must bo seen to. The windows should bo left open (op and bottom all day. and the top half kept down a good way during ihe night. A light of Any description should never be< kopt burning in a bedroom during the night.