NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1929, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN

LOOSE-LIMBED TYPE. “New Zealand appears to be producing a type of individual’with characteristics more closely resembling those of the ‘thin’ type—a slender, looselimbed, perhaps rather ungainly-look-ing child, compared to the stocky type,” says Dr. Helen B. Bakewell, school medical officer, in a special report. “This- is borne out by previous investigations, which show that in New Zealand children the standing height is increased compared to sitting height. Granted that this type may not come up to the aesthetic and other standards of the sturdy type, is it for practical purposes so much inferior.” It is a common experience to find the ‘staying power’s of the thin, lanky child, if anything, superior to those of the stocky type; its resistance of ordinary infections as good or even better; 1 have noticed of ter than the chest mobility and lung expansion are excellent.”

Commenting on the - school medical officer’s report, Dr. Ada Paterson, Director of the School Hygiene Division, states: “We have noted two findings which demand attention because of their practical importance. (1) The young New Zealand child of school age is apparently of a looselimbed, elastic type which responds readily to environmental influences as habitual posture, exercise, and rest. (2) Nearly all defects of posture are noted to be greater in the seven to ejght-year-old group. “It must be. remembered that at this age period, which is one of accelerated growth, instability of posture may tend naturally to be increased, but we must consider also whether the greater percentage of postural delect found in the seven to eight-year-old group is not a result of school curriculum making too great a demand upon the sensitive and immature body of the entrant child. There is undoubtedly an intimate relationship between nutrition and posture, and we recognise that it is the ivrongly-fed, insufficiently rested child that most readily develops physical deformity. The fatigued, nervous system is expressed in general bodily slackness. There is deficient muscular ligamentous tone. The typical faulty posture is thus acquired with drooping head, flat chest, wing shoulders, prominent abdomen. Vitality is depressed and the bodily mechanism out of gear. - ■ “For the prevention of defect, a simple routine is needed where adequate rest alternates with free exercise and play, and''tvhere' full advantage is taken of . sunlight, fresh air, and suitable food. The school curriculum should permit of this. It is essential that the class room should offer hygenie conditions, e.g., good lighting and ventilation, suitable furniture, etc.

“Few young children get sufficient rest. Absolute relaxation in the recumbent position for half-an-hour daily would be a boon to primer children and also to all who suffer from physical or nervous fatigue. “The ultimate test of physical perfection must he the reaction of the individual to life. Many defects of posture noted are almost certainly only of aesthetic importance since physical and mental endurance are often found in association with an unathletic frame.”