River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-04-03
THE VALUE or HYefEEio KNOWLEDGE 10 The
TEAGHEP


IThe following essay was read by Miss Lulu
Sands, at the Teachers Association, held IN
Maiden Rock, last winter We recommend q
careful reading of the paper to every teacher.l
The value of hygienic knowledge to
the teacher is inestimable. The
growth, not only of the body but of
the mind, depends in great measure
upon the general health of the pupil.
IF, then, we allow them through their
ignorance to form habits or disregard
laws of health, which we know will
in time impair their general health,
are we performing our duties, as
teachers? Much should be implied in
the name teacher. 1t should hot sig
Nifty simply an inanimate machine
placed in the school-room to perform
a few certain fixed duties or ask few
rote questions from the book at each
recitation, out real live instructor
who sees the needs of his pupils and
takes such means as are within his
power to meet these needs. The
teachers duties are to assist by all
means in his power to prepare his
pupils for the life before them. Is
not, then, the knowledge of hygiene
of great Importance to all through
life? Education will avail them little
if they have not the health to put their
knowledge to some use. Although
education is a thing to be greatly de-
sired and earnestly sought after, we
must not lose sight of the fact that
good health is much more desirable.
Many who might otherwise have led
useful and happy lives, have forfeited
all by an injudicious use of their
strength. They, perhaps, thought be-
cause they were young that they could
endure any amount of strain upon
their nerves or mental faculties, but
have discovered too late that they
were only human and must suffer
from nature the penalties always af-
fixed for violation of her laws.
Exercise IS necessary TO health. This
should be spoken of frequently, and
thoroughly impressed upon the minds
of all the pupils. If you see any who
invariably remain indoors during in
termissions, insist upon such going
out into the fresh air and exercising.
Show them that afterward much bet
ter work can be done in school, and
that without it the general health will
health is gone both usefulness and
enjoyment are very limited. After
the good brisk exercise in the open
air the blood moves less sluggishly and
the brain in consequence is much
more active, the muscles are strength
ened, and the whole system takes a
higher tone. think it good plan
for the teacher to take part in the
exercise of his pupils as this usually
gives more Zest and interest to any
game, especially one in which the
teacher is proficient. Exercise which
is enjoyed is much more beneficial
than that which is taken from 9
sense OF duty, or merely to get til
exercise.
Pure air IS a necessity oftDe. This
rule seems to be the one more often
violated than any other We see peo-
pie living from year to year in houses
where there is no means of ventila-
ton. The windows are perhaps calked
tight in winter "to keep out the cold, ;"
as it is termed. The fact that the
lack of fresh air will in time produce
fatal diseases seems to be utterly
ignored. Keep warm by means of
good clothing and fires but do not ex-
clude the fresh air. as it contains a
supply of oxygen, the life-giving prin-
ciple. If there be not good means for
ventilation in your school-rooms make
some effort to better it, and if it can
not be accomplished without the aid
of the school board call upon them for
assistance. Give the pupils fresh air
at your own epense II it cannot be
obtained otherwise.
Small children often become restless
after sitting for some time. This is
because the muscles of the back be-
come exhausted and need a rest. This
creates the necessity of frequent re-
cesses, especially for the younger pu-
pills. If you can manage iii some way
to allow them to have more frequent
rest than the older ones, do 50.
Teachers should not expect, nor wish,
their schools to remain in perfect
order as the strain upon all is too
great and il long continued is not con-
ducive to health.
1t should be impressed upon the
minds of all that after severe exercise,
when the pores are open, that sitting
in draught should be avoided, and
that no clothing should be removed
until the pores are partially closed and
have given off the excess of effete
matter which it is their office to re-
move from the system. What we
commonly call a sfcold" is nothing
more or less than a sudden closing of
the pores, thus preventing the insepsi-
bic perspiration from passing off. This
insensible perspiration is of great value
as it carries off a great part of the waste
matter of the system; and when this
channel is closed it must be carried
off in some other way, usually through
the lungs and nasal passages.
The muscles should be supplied with
an abundance of pure blood. This
cannot be produced without healthy
condition of the digestive organs and
the use of proper food. Pupils should
be informed as to which are the most
healthful foods to be used.
An erect position must be main
tanned. A STOPPING posture is very
injurious, as it congresses the lungs
and prevents free action of those
organs. 1t also weakens the muscles
of the back to support the head out of
its natural position.
Teachers should avoid furnishing
pupils in any way which might injure
the health. Boxing the ears is pun
ishment which should never be prac-
ticed by any teacher as it is apt, by a
sudden conclusion of air, to injure the
tympanum of the ear.
This knowledge and much more
chould hn DosSpSSpd iy all teachers
and they should insist upon their pu-
pills adhering to these common rules of
health.