Page 2 Advertisements Column 2

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 81, 15 June 1945, Page 2

ISSUED BY THE DEPT. OF HEALTH DANGER TO A CHILD'S HEART RHEUMATIC FEVER IS CHILDHOOD'S GREATEST HIDDEN ENEMY It occurs between the ages of 5 and 14 years chiefly, and causes most of the heart disease that strikes at people under the age of 35. Rheumatic Fever affects school children more seriously than any other disease, and if not taken care of properly, may cripple or shorten life. It may attack in a straightforward and recognisable manner, starting off with a sore throat, tonsillitis or a cold. There may be feverishness, or nose-bleeding, disinclination for food, inflamed joints that are painful, and a temperature of up to 103 . Usually the pain begins in a single joint and spreads to others. The heart will beat rapidly and there will be night sweats. If that happens then the picture is clear. It is Rheumatic Fever. It means calling in the doctor and obeying his instructions. Prolonged rest in bed is an important part of the treatment. Often, however, rheumatic fever does not announce itself so clearly. There may be a sore throat, a slight feVier, a nose-bleed, poor appetite, and a complaint about those "growing pains" in muscles or joints. Or there may be merely irritability and nervous habits. These, too, can indicate rheumatic fever, especially if the family has a rheumatic fever history., A St. Vitus dance (chorea) in children is a jjS&L nervous manifestation of rheumatic fever, and it damages the heart just as seriously V&T$ if not treated. Twitching or those so-called "growing pains" may be a danger signal, 4 Quick recognition of the symptoms and L y * immediate medical treatment will check this under-cover threat to the heart. One P attack of rheumatic fever often leads to others, and the second and third attacks ' jfa are most frequently the source of heart Damp, fatigue and exposure favour the disease. In a susceptible child, therefore, take particular care against weather changes, provide suitable clothes, and insist on proper sleep and rest, and a balanced diet. WATCH OUT FOR \ THOSE DANGER SIGNALS 1 . 23a FOR A HEALTHIER NATION