Health Notes for the Farm

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 4, 15 October 1941, Page 353

Health Notes for the Farm

Posture in the Young is Important

IT is generally recognised that correct posture adds grace and beauty. It is quite true that the correction of improper postures promotes poise and makes for beauty, but it is equally true that an erect carriage has a marked effect upon the general health. A slouching, stooping . posture, in addition to being very unsightly, tends to cramp the internal organs,' and interferes with their proper functions. To walk with head up, chest high, and the toes straight forward, and to do so with ease, is by no means an unimportant accomplishment, and such a posture is a distinct health asset. Good posture, however, is much more than merely “standing straight”; it is the use of all parts of the body with proper balance, with ease and grace. This proper use of the body is called good body mechanics. Posture is the way the bony framework is held while sitting, standing,

Contributed by the

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

or lying. The organs of the body are arranged within this bony framework; therefore, if the posture is not correct these organs will sag or be squeezed out of their right positions, and will not do their work properly as pointed out above. > Young bones are like branches of a tree, being more easily bent than older ones. Therefore it is obvious that the body to be perfect must be trained while it is young and flexible. Proper use of the feet -is necessary, if a child’s body is to be held in good balance. When the feet are. used correctly the child’s weight is on the balls and outer sides of the feet, the toes point straight forward, and the inner sides of the feet are parallel with

How to Stolid Correctly. In the Right Standing Position— '//" (1) The chin is drawn in and backward. ': ; (2) The head is up. (3) The chest is raised; the breast bone is the point farthest forward, and the rib spaces are widened. ... ./■'.< (4) The lower abdomen is flat and drawn in. ' (5) The knees are straight and without strain. (6) The feet are together and pointed straight forward. (7) The back is almost straight. (8) The line dropped from the ear crosses the middle of the top of the shoulder, touches the middle of the hip, passes through the knees, and touches the floor opposite the most prominent part'of the outer side of the foot. \

each other. Wearing the proper kind of shoes, keeping the feet parallel and pointing forward will help to throw the weight correctly, but how well the feet do their work depends largely on the strength of certain leg muscles that hold the feet in proper position. If

How to Sit Correctly. In Sitting Correctly—(l) The upper part of the body is erect or leaned slightly forward. (2) The body is bent only at the hips and knees. < (3) The head, neck, and trunk are kept in one straight line. (4) The lower part of the back and the end of the spine rest squarely against the lower part of the back of the seat. , . (5) The feet rest squarely on the floor. If the chair is too high, a small box should be provided as a foot rest. i t

the muscles are strengthened as the child learns to stand and walk and as he becomes more and more active, they will help to keep the whole body in good balance. A child should be taught that, walking exercises the body and muscles. It is very important that all children play games and not merely watch them. They give a great variety of action and also -mean fun and companionship. Then many kinds of useful work are also very good forms of exercise, such as gardening, for instance. Swimming is also excellent exercise, and every boy and girl should be able to swim. Daily physical drill in the open air, if possible, and folk-dancing are of importance for the development of

good posture .in boys and girls. A picnic in -the country or a day spent playing about on the seashore are what a young child wants. All ■ children are not built alike, and what suits one does not necessarily suit another. We all admire a man or woman who stands straight and moves gracefully, and the foundation for such is laid by careful training and supervision of the young. “Whatever may be the future of the child,” writes Dr. John Gibbens, “he should have every 'chance while he is yet young to develop his small body to the uttermost, to appreciate the fun of movement and the delight of running wild; for a healthy body is a priceless possession.”

Chick-Sexing Examination

FOUR candidates took part in a chick-sexing , examination at the Poultry Station, Wallaceville, on August 18. One candidate was awarded a first-class certificate of merit, Mr. A. B. Pirie, 112 St. Andrew’s Street, Invercargill, who sexed 200 chicks in 30 minutes with 100 per cent, accuracy. It is hoped that the temporary setback sustained by the unsuccessful candidates will not unduly dampen their enthusiasm, and that Mr. R. Fairey, Greenmeadows, Hawke’s Bay, Mr. J. G. Fletcher, Palmerstan North, and Mr. R. G. Bell, Christchurch, will take an early opportunity of presenting themselves for further examination. It is expected that the next chicksexing examination will be held early in November.

“PIPPA’S COOKERY BOOK.” “piPPA’S Cookery Book” has ever so ■T many new and delicious recipes in ithave you tried any of them? But perhaps you haven’t had time yet, for “Pippa’s Cookery Book” has only just been published. All profits from its sale are to be devoted to the . work of the Leper Nursing Sisters. , —MARY.