HEALTH

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2329, 15 September 1921, Page 2

HEALTH

LECTURE BY Dr. ELIZABETH

GUNN,

Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, medical school inspector, delivered a very instructive lecture to parents and adults at the local State School last night, on “Health.” Dr, Gunn, despite a very strenuous time, in order to cover the vast district under her control within a given period, with little time to spare, willingly consented to a request to have a talk to parents, and those who were present last night carried away with them advice and * information which will have a beneficial effect upon their luyne life, and particularly in connection with the dietetic and physical upbringing of children.

The Chairman of Committee (Mr Hornhlow) presided. Dr. Gunn referred in opening to the fact that health was the most important thing in the world, and asked what where we doing to establish it. The importance of healthy children was stressed, also the advantages of school medical inspection. Unfortunately, such inspection was dreaded by some people, who did not yet understand its meaning and advantages. The danger of septic mouths to ihe health of the child and infection to others was touched an. The Doctor then fully explained the benefits of tooth-brush drill, and the subsequent, care of the teeth. Malnutrition was dealt with, together with its causes, wrong feeding, lack of fresh air, and dental caries. Good advice was given to mothers in regard to correct: diet and care of the infant When these points were understood, there would be less necessity /or the use of the toothbrush. But, said the .peaker, it would be many years, md possibly generations, before Imt state of perfection could be obtained. They had to deal with things as they were, and treat them for the benefit of coming generalions. The fruit acid wash used by llie children was due to the research work of Professor Piokerill, and his formula was awarded a world’s prize. It prevented decay, and was perfectly harmless if swallowed. The doctor urged parents to attend to the teeth of (lie younger children first, and not wait until they were thirteen or fourteen years of age. If the first leelh were taken care of, the second would take care of themselves, provided the diet was on right lines. Diagrams showing enlarged tonsils and glands, causing deafness, etc., were explained. As a result of toothbrush drill, obstacles to good health lmd been minimised. The causes of mouth breathing and nasal obstruction were explained, and the use of handkerchief drill and cleansing of the nose passages advocated. The doctor dealt at length with diet, and urged parents to feed their children on hard food, teach them to masticate instead of cutting up aud mincing their food. Porridge with added bran was advocated for breakfast, with oven-toasted bread, and occasionally egg and bacon. Meat with friend potatoes was tabooed. Cocoa »r milk or water to drink after, but not with the meal, to finish with a piece of apple or orange. Dinner — Lentil, pea and vegetable soup, meat underdone, with any or all vegetables, and let the gravy be the juice of the meat —no sauces, pickles, mustard or pepper. The right kind of puddings, such as milk puddings, suet dumplings, and good homemade pastry. Tea should consist of eggs, grated cheese over toasted bread, lettuce, oat cake or ships biscuit. A good mixed wholesome diet elaborated on the above lines was explained. The much-talked-of vitamincs was dealt with interestingly by the doctor. The causes of scurvy, rickets, etc., was also dealt with. “If,” said the Doctor, “Every family would raise a garden for producing the vegetables enumerated, there would be little chance of diets being deficient in vitamincs, and less malnutrition.” The Doctor said she bad no hesitation in saying that many children suffer from a mild form of scurvy, as evidenced by the examination of their gums, through lack of ;t correct vegetable diet. Sunlight and plenty of fresh air, correct diet, rest, plenty of sleep in well-ventilated rooms, together with the right clothing, was essential to health, and the prevention of disease. The subject of clothing was fully explained, and its bearing on lung expansion. Some interesting experiences of school camp life was also dealt with. The lecture was keenly listened to, and the hour and a-lialf Hipped by all too quickly. In acknowledging a vote of thanks and appreciation, the doctor consented to deliver a further lecture on her next visit. As a result of the visits of inspection, the Doctor noticed a marked physical improvement in a number of the children, and hoped for still further improvement, under Foxton’s splendid natural conditions in the future.

Several questions were asked and answered.