ARE HEALTH CAMPS WORTH WHILE?

New Zealand Listener, Volume 5, Issue 130, 19 December 1941, Page 12

ARE HEALTH CAMPS WORTH WHILE?

_ (Written for "The Listener" by DR.

H. B.

TURBOTT

Director of

the Division of School Hygiene, Health Dept.)

| EFORE discussing the real worth | of health camps, there are two . questions to answer: First, -h6w do children get into health camps? The majority of children admitted to the health camps are selected by the school medical officers, and the remainder are recommended by general practitioners or district nurses. Applications are also accepted from parents or teachers. The physical condition of a child determines the order of his admission. There are three classifications: Class C, which represents the worst classes of malnutrition; Class B, in which some building up is regarded as necessary; and Class A, which covers those children who are in good health, but who are unable to have a holiday. On application, full details of the child’s history are reported, and his name is transferred to the waiting list. Prior to his admission, any defects have to be treated. From the time he enters the camp he starts to get well, and all those

tell-tale signs of malnutrition and _ illhealth start to disappear as the quicklyresponsive young body reacts to treatment, School in Camp Secondly, do the children miss their schooling? While in camp the education of the child is not neglected, but the school is not of the formal type. First and foremost, a health camp is what its name implies-a place where debilitated children ma- be restored to health. The school course consists mainly of subjects that will keep the child’s mind occupied in ,an easy and useful way, while at the same time he is obtaining the maximum physical benefit. While he plays he gets well, and while he runs he learns. He is taught, by the most pleasant means possible, how easy it is to become a sturdy little New Zealander, with a purpose in life and a useful future ahead of him.

Finally, are health camps worth while? Actual records taken from Otaki Health Camp, whieh houses 100 children during the summer, and from 75 to 80 during the other months, give undeniable proof of the curative value of a term in camp. During 1939-40, 657 children passed through the camp. On admission 42 per cent. were above the average New Zealand standard in weight, and 58 per cent. were below it. On discharge 80 per cent. were above the standard, and only 20 per cent. below it. And in almost every case of underweight there was a definite pathological reason for it. All the children were in Class C. Some Statistics During 1940-41, 136 children who had been in health camp for a period of six or more weeks were examined and weighed. Of these 136 examined, four were in camp in 1936, 13 in 1937, 11 in 1938, 42 in 1939, 46 in 1940, and 16 in 1941. Only one of these children had been in health camp before, and all were of subnormal nutrition before admission. In all cases, these children are above the average weight for their age, and have therefore, without exception, maintained the physical progress begun in camp. The lesson taught by these Otaki figures is plain. Instead of there being yearly 600 children who might have faced life physically impaired, there are now 600 children fit and well, and ready to grow up into useful citizens. If that number is multiplied several times, it will be seen that each year, as a direct result of the health camp’s work, there is flowing into society a steady stream of sturdy human reinforcements. Instead of being a potential liability, these children have become a national asset of infinite value. A Thought For Parents Here is a thought that is worth parents’ consideration. Six weeks in a children’s health camp may save your child years of suffering, yourself years of worry and disappointment, and your pocket endless expense, These health camps are built for the benefit of every child, irrespective of class, who needs developing and nursing to normal health. There are many children happy and well to-day who can thank these health camps for a new start in life. The sums spent on camps are all investments — investments in national health, and as such they must be protected. The best way to protect them is for parents to take advantage of them and help in the drive toward the goal of national fitness. (Next week: "Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet and Dr. sa sa Ager " By Dr. Muriel Bell.)