The Somerset reporter., 1889-08-15
Some Hints on Diet and Care of the
Sick.

There Is little real need for much of the
illness which prevails largely at this sea
son of the year. Neglect in regard to
thorough ventilation and personal clean
illness (kecping the pores of the skin open
and SO relieving the frequently over-work-
ed internal organs), eating what VIC know
to be unwholesomc; sitting in draught
which we know may produce cold pro-
longing work when our strength is ex-
hausted; keeping late hours, and thereby
losing the much-needed rest. These and
other indiscretions are prolific cause of
many of the ills to which flesh is heir.
1t is not what we eat that strengthens
us, but what we digest and assimiatc.
Diet will sometimes cure, where medi-
cine will only aggravate. Our most skill
full physicians of today give more atten-
tion to the diet, and care, In many diseas-
es to the efficiency of drugs. All are H.
called upon to perform the duties of
nurse tot sick, and it is well that we
should prepare ourselves, so that should
sickness occur In our household we would
have nothing to regret, as might be the
case should we be obliged, through igno-
rance of the laws of life and health, to
give up Llt Chit VI OuI uchI OutS W u
stranger.
In most cases proper treatment If given
at the very beginning of disease is sue.
cessful.
1t Is Of the utmost Importance that the
air of the sick-room should be kept pure
and fresh, day and night. A window
open top and bottom, and fire burning In
an open fireplace is the best way of ven.
tilatng. If too warm for fire leave the
fire place open, and window open top and
bottom.
great deal Of dust collects under the
bed, and it should be removed with a
damp mop; use the mop instead of sweep
ing the floor with broom. Dust the
furniture with clean damp cloth. No
room can be sweet and wholesome unless
the sun can get in some time during the
day.
Gentle, quiet manners and voice are in
dispensable In nurse. Love and care
should be shown in the most triflng de-
tails. 1t Is great strain on mind and
body to be constantly in the sick room
and few hours of Test every day Is an
absolute necessity. Tempt the appetite
of the invalid by serving everything in
the daintiest manner see that the delicate
china, glass and silver are polished to the
highest degree; cover the tray with a fine
white napkin; serve rather too little than
too much, as the appetite Is often taken
away by the sight of much food; vary the
food as much as the circumstances will
allow; ccok food In an agate or porcelain
vessel, never in metal, as it frcquentl,
imparts q disagrceable flavor.
In the beginning of sickness give only
enough to satisfy the appetite and quench
the thirst. DO not give stimulating food
In severe illness give food in small quan.
titles frequently, and always after long
sleep.
Milk Is now given in almost all kinds of
illness. 1t should be taken slowly to pre-
vent the curdling, which may occur II too
much be taken at once. Where it does
not seem to agree with the patient add
tablespoonful of lime-water In a glass of
milk. In case of disrrhna give milk as
hot as can be taken, with few grains of
red pepper 1t should not be boiled, only
scalded-Godes's Lady's Book.