MEDICAL INSPECTION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 27, 25 September 1912, Page 4

MEDICAL INSPECTION

The medical inspection of schools under the Government commenced at several of the Dunedin public schools this week. The scheme, as outlined, would

appear, tlio “(Hugo Daily Times” states, to follow the plan suggested' by ])r. Mason when he occupied the position of Chief Health Officer for the Dominion. The initial objects aimed at in this examination will be both educative and preventive in their nature. Statistics will bo collected which, while as authentic as careful compilation can make them, should prove extremely instructive as giving data on which to base conclusions regarding the physical fitness of the rising generation and must, therefore, have a. distinct eugenic value. The preventive influence of the medical examination consists in a timely notification to parents of physical defects and ailments —such, for instance, as adenoids — which, when neglected in youth, often give rise to serious disabilities in after yfears. Unfortunately, the “Times” remarks, the average parent, whether from apathy or indifference, is apt to

bo careless as to the health of the child except when the symptoms cause positive discomfort or pain. The trained eye and touch of the medical expert can detect at once the various divergences from the normal which, if neg-

lected, apd may result in serious consequences. And when parents are notified that the health of a child requires attention and the specific symptoms are plainly set down upon the card provided for the purpose, their responsibilities will be sheeted home to them in a fashion that they cannot evade and may not elude.