HEALTH OF YOUNG

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1933, Page 8

HEALTH OF YOUNG

SCHOOL MEDICAL Y/ORK BENEFITS FROM CAMPS The results of . investigations into the effect of the present economic conditions on the nutrition of children were dis.e.ussed by Dr Ada Paterson, Director of the Division of School Hygiene, in the course of a lecture. Figures showed that there was no evident increase in the number of children suffering from malnutrition. There was very Tittle matnutrition in the country districts, and although there were, cases in the cities, this condition was found even ! ;n more prosperous times,. In some instances it. was caused by lack of sleep. The provision of cocoa and milk at schools was proV.ng a great help. Dr Paterson mentioned the good work that was being done at health camps,, and said the improvement in the condition of children at these '■•amps was remarkable. In many cases the benefit .was largely due to cleanliness,- regular and plenty of sleep, which should realty be obtained at home. Another investigation had shown that there was a definite relation between maternal efficiency and the progress of children at school. An effect was noticed when the mother had to do considerable outside work, such as milking. Dr Paterson reviewed the wprk being done in the schools by the medical officers. An, attempt was made to give each child three complete medical examinations during its school Career, once in the primers, once *n Standard II;; and once in’ Standard VI. Every effort was made to establish contact with t'he parents, and they were encouraged to be present at these exam irafons.'

Steady progress had been made in increasing jjhe general cleanliness of the ' childreij, and grea t mprovements lied been effected in the hygienic conditions of classrooms. Attention had been paid to securing plenty of sunlight and fresh air, and to seeuffng l etter seating accommodation, j-o that the “children were not cramped and ccfiild adopt easy and natural postures. Stctisf-’cs taken soon after the commencement of the medical services 21 wears ago, (compared with otillers tfikqn recently', showed that, children iveye taller and Leayier to-day than pt ’the beginning of the period :