Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-04-21
HOMEMAKERS COLUMN,

Correspondence on topics of interest tothe lAdie :
is solicited. Address: Editor HOHEnAkERf
COLUMN. Oxford Democrat. Paris. Maine.
Nursing In Mumps and Chicken.Pox.
These two complaints-mumps and
chicken-pox-are reckoned among the
less serious maladies of childhood; but
that the former entails much discomfort,
to say nothing of actual misery, is fact
to the truth of which many little sui
ferer could attest.
1t is asserted that infants are almost
exempt from mumps, and that the period
of life to which either sex exhibits the
greatest susceptibility to the poison of
contagion exists between the fourth and
fourteenth years. Girls are less likely
to be attacked than boys.
Among the initial symptoms that may
manifest themselves in the more severe
types of the complaint are headache,
pains in the back and limbs, chilly feel
ings, fever, vomiting, and consequent
loss of appetite. The little one COM
plains of pain in the region of the ear in
about two or three days thereafter, and
this is soon followed by pronounced
swelling of the parts. As the misery of
the child is greatly augmented by swal-
lowing or any attempt to open the mouth,
it is obvious that nourishment should be
administered with view to causing as
little discomfort as may be. While the
diet must be as nourishing as possible,
| it ought to be restricted to liquids, on
account of the increase of pain which
mastication would involve. Any foods
or drinks containing acids should be
omitted, for the reason that acids appear
to intensity the trouble.
Milk heads the list in the way of fluid
nourishment, and the intelligent mother
or nurse is apt to think of this first,
therefore; but to serve it in just the
same form too frequently would neces-
sarily occasion disgust for it. The in
ventive care-taker will think of variety
of ways in which to present this best of
foods; she can heat it, or offer it cold or
in the form of cocoa; or she may have
cooked in it peas or any other favorite
vegetable, to impart to it desired flavor.
AS junket requires no mastication, 1t
may be appreciated once in while.
The food value of any preparation is
greatly enhanced by the addition of an
egg, particularly the white; aud an APP
petizing connection may be evolved by
pouring half tumbler of milk in pre-
serving jar along with the unbeaten
white of an egg, or the whole egg may
be added if desired. Sweeten to taste,
and add several drops of vanilla, little
nutmeg, or any preferred flavoring. A
pinch of salt improves its palatability
then add little crushed ice, and tightly
screwing on the lid, shake the mixture
vigorously to thoroughly blend the in
gradients. If the white of egg be beaten
before adding, it will not readily in
corporate itself with the liquid, and will
betray it's presence by its froth, which is
frequently Objectionable in the case of
sensitive children.
While homemade beef tea possesses
next to no food elements, it is stimulat-
ing; and for that reason, and to afford
variety, it is an excellent adjunct to the
dietary. One cannot be provided with
too long list of articles from which to
choose, particularly in the case of
liquids, for the reason that the digestive
economy no less than the patients APP
petite so rebels against sameness. Many
of the patent foods upon the market adj
mirably fill a need in just such cases.
A very nutritious drink, and one that
was much enjoyed in certain instance,
was made by combining tablespoon OF
| matted milk with two teaspoons of con-
densed milk, along with pinch of salt,
sugar to taste, and sufficient hot water
| to fill the cup.
For saving the child any undue pain,
bent glass tubes ought to be provided
for both nourishment and medicines, as
their use necessitates opening the mouth
but slightly. Tubes constructed espe.
cially for feeding purposes have wide
circumference and are tlattened at the
mouth portion. A small tube will
answer for medicines; all tubes to be
well rinsed after use, then placed to soak
in water to which has been added a
pinch of washing soda.
To maintain cleanliness of the mouth
of the patient is obviously necessary,
and may be accomplished without real
discomfort. A mouth wash of listerine
or any good antiseptic will keep the
mouth in as healthy condition as may be,
at the same time relieving the disagree
able dryness. A piece of absorbent cot
ton may be wound on tiny stick and
dipped in the solution; or the mixture
may be drawn into the mouth through
the medicine tube and retained for some
time before its election.
Envelop the neck in raw cotton to
protect the sore glands, and when there
is much pain, the application of hot
cloths will be found alleviating. Paint
ing with iodine, or applications of iodine
ointment, may be resorted to should the
swelling become very hard and tense.
Children who are susceptible to con-
tagion can undoubtedly contract the
disease from the patient even after SWELL
ing of the neck has subsidized; so the
invalid should be kept from school for
three weeks, counting from the first
symptoms, or at least for two weeks
after disappearance of the swelling.
While reckOned among the childish COM
plants, mumps is not entirely confined
to children, as cases do occur among
adults.
Though contagious malady, the dis
ease in question is not nearly so much so
|
plants, and is not serious one, ordi
narily. Recovery takes place in less than
week in the great majority of instances.
Evil complications, when they do occur,
are more likely to manifest themselves
after the twelfth year, and to involve the
sexual organs.
The little one should be confined to
bed should the ailment appear to affect
the general health, and under such cir
cumStances medical Intervention is es.
pecially enjoined.
Upon recovery from an attack of the
mumps, it is not considered necessary
to disinfect the patient or his wearing
apparel, nor to disinfect the room.
CHICKEN-PoX.
Serious consequences are indeed rare
as concerns an attack of chicken-pox, it
being regarded as a very trivial COM
plant. At the same time it is highly
contagious.
In the majority of cases the malady
presents such mild disturbances of the
general health, as to preclude the need
for treatment beyond the administration
of simple purgative to secure free
movements of the bowels.
To overcome the annoyance consequent
upon itching, it is a good plan to dust
the skin with good talcum or other
powder, or to anoint it with one of the
preparations of petroleum, like vaseline.
After crusts have formed, it is better to
employ an ointment containing two per
cent of ichthyol.
As cleanliness is important in any i'll
nasS tho body will renuira frenuant