HEALTH HINTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1941, Page 2

HEALTH HINTS

MAKE A NOTE OF THESE. Scalds and Burns.—The following facts cannot be too firmly impressed in either of these accidents. First, best and often the remedies required are sheets of wadding, covered with magnesia, fuller's earth, flour or chalk. The wadding must be sufficiently thick to exclude all air from the injured parts, for if air can be effectually shut out from the surface and care is taken not to expose the tender part until the new cuticle is formed, the cure can safely be left to nature. If the skin is not too much injured, but painful, lay clothes either dipped in lime-water or linseed oil. over the parts, but in cases of serious burns, and the patient is exhausted send for the doctor. Scalds can be' treated in the same manner or cover with scraped potato. Chalk ointment is best, but in absence of these dust over with plenty of flour. Dirt in the Eye.—Place your forefinger on the cheek-bone, having the patient before you, then draw up the finger and you will probably be able to remove the dirt. If not, place a bodkin over the eyelid to keep the eye closed and repeat operation. As soon as substance is removed use eye-bath to bathe eye in cold water or olive oil and drop of vinegar. Exclude light from eye for some time. Choking.— When a person has a fishbone ill the throat, insert the forefinger and press on the root of the tongue to induce vomiting, or let patient swallow a large piece of potato or soft bread.

Fainting and Hysterics.—Looson the garments, bathe temples with water or Eau-de-Cologne. Give planty of fresh air, dash cold water in face and avoid bustle or excessive sympathy (always let the head remain lower than the body). Ccughs and Colds.—There is no such thing as a common cold. Thousands are in their grave today by neglecting what is called a common cold. If the average mother was to take more care of the children when they have colds, and keep them warm, there would not be a quarter of the serious troubles there are today. Coughs and colds rob the system of its natural resistance, and are the stepping-stones to more serious complaints. Whooping Cough generally comes in the form of a common cold, with cough and feverishness. After 7 to 10 days the cough becomes louder with a characteristic whoop. The whoop generally is a great source of worry to parents but actually it is a sign of safety, and as long as a child whoops, although distressing, there is not much fear of suffocation. There should be plenty of fresh air and warm clothing. Keep out oj‘ draughts, and watch the change of temperature.