CONSUMPTION
HOW TO PREVENT IT A USEFUL PAMPHLET Since the war tho term "T. 8." as applied to returned soldiers lias frequently appeared in print, but many people seem to be unaware that it is an abbreviation of tho.words "tubercular bacilli," and whan used in connection with returned soldier matters means that it has reference to those men who are suffering from consumption in ono oa- other of its GtagM. Dr. G. J, B.ackmore, medical superintendent of the North Canterbury Sanatorium, 'Jims evinced a, great interest in "T. 8." cases anion; returned soldiers, and, being a specialist in tubercular troubles, a pamphlet he has prepared 011 "Consumption—Hoar to Prevent. It," is of especial value. Pointing out that the cause of consumption is a genu, Dr. Blnckmore states that tho disease is not interned, and tho germ may attaok any part of the body, hut is found most commonly in tho luugs. This germ is the sole cause of consumption, and can gain entrance to the body "by being initialed in the form of dust, from contaminated hands, or articles placed on tho mouth, by kissing a consumptive porson oa the mouth, and by drinking nitk from tuberculous cows. Hoiv the Germs are Scattered. Hhe germs are scattered by boots, and 6hoe6 (tnrough sputum adhering- to them), by skirts, by dusty air (especially in»diooirs), by coughing .with uncovered mouth, by soiled handkerchiefs; by public drinking cups, by flies. "The germ of consumption cannot live in tho perfectly healthy body," says Dr. Blackmore, "and some. of the things which! weaken Ike body and enable the germ to gain a footold are:—(l) Living and -working in badly ventilated places; (2) inhaling irritating particles or fumes; (3) overfatigue; (4) over-indulgeuco in alcohol; (5J unwholesome or insufficient food; (6) decayed teeth; {!) weakening diseased. Sunlight and fresh air kill tho germs of consumption in a very short time, but they can live for months in dark, -damp, badly ventilated places. Consumption is not a highly infectious disease. It is not contracted by casual contact with a. consumptive person, aor is it carried through tho air from person to person. To treat a consumptive person like a leper—if tliat person is ta,kiog pjetiiutions—is unjustifiable cruelty. If all the sputum of consumptive persons were destroyed bofore it became dry the chief source of consumption would be abolished. To avoid contracting the disease: (1) Live, work, and 6leep in pure fresh air; (2) keep the windows opei, night and day; (3) take good food and reasonable exercise; (i) Jiave decayed teeth attended to; (5) bo temperate; (G) wash the hands before meals; (7) breathe through the nose. The. nose is capable .of destroying g«rms of all kinds; (8) §eo that flies do not gain access to food and drink; (9) do not sleep in the same room with a consumptive person; (10) do not live in a house which has been occupied by » consumptive until the house has been thoroughly disinfected. Simple Precautions. "No consumptive need be a danger to other persons if these 6tmplo precautions are observed: A consumptive person (1) should not spit anywhere excepting into a spitting cup or.flask; (2) should not cough in tho direction of another person or over food; (3) should not kiss anyone—especially a child, oh the mouth; (4) should 6leep alone and, if possible, in a separate room or out of doors; (5) should never sleep in tho same worn with a child; (G) should use separate table utensils; (7) should not allow rooms 110 occupies to be <lr> swept or dusted; (8) should have his
bedding put out in the sun frequently; (9) should keep his rooms thoroughly ventilated by night and ilcy, so that they may not become iiifect«l and a danger to others.'. . . , The dust in pubCic houses, schools, public buildings, tho churches, theatre, ctc., and railway wnitins-rooms, has frequently been found _ to contain tlie living germs of consumption. Such p'accs shuum never be cleaned by dry sweeping and dry dusting. In sweeping the floors a c!t,mp broom may be used as stated above, or sawdust damped with a disinfectant should be spread on the flcor before sweeping. "Delay is Dangerous." "Consumption is curable in most eases if treated early. It may be arrested in tho more advanced condition, but day's (lo'.ay in beginning (treatment les-
6ens the chanco of recovery. Tho early symptoms are often very indefinite. The following symptoms may point to the coriwiencement of consumption Cough, however slight, if persistent, and- especially morning cough; spitting if Wood, whatever tho amount or suppceed source; loss of flesh; shortness of breath on slight exertion; pain in the chest or side, if persistant; loss of energy, becoming easily'tired, feeling "run down"; less of appetite, especially in the morning; anaemia, tf.oodlessness, huslrinesß, if persistent. Any person with ono or more of thse symptoms should have the chest examined by a doctor, especially if thero is consumption in the family or among fel'.ow workers. If you have even the earliest signs of consumption it is better to know it at ouce. Delay is dangerous."
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Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 232, 25 June 1920, Page 8
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844CONSUMPTION Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 232, 25 June 1920, Page 8
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