Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-08
800 School Children Addressed by pr. E. J. 6roPhy on Consumption-Neees sity for Camp Urged-Other Matters of Local Interest.


 Speaking on Tuberculosis, or Con sumptlonS to 300 of the children of Greenevfle and a number of their mothers Tuesday afternoon at 4 4o'cloclx In the basement of St. Mary's church, Dr. Edward J. Brophy gave a clear, in- Structlve and interesting talk on this widespread disease. Rev. William A. keefe, in introducing Dr. Brophy, said that he had offered as principal of St. Mary's parochial school, a prize to the pupil in each room who hands in the best essay on the subject, following the lecture. He urged the pupils to ap- ply the lesson in aiding others.
 Dr. Brophy in opening explained that the cause of consumption was a germ, living organism so small that 1t can only be seen with a microscope. Germs are the things which cause most of the diseases in the world today, and the tubercle bacillus is the germ that causes consumption. He illustrated it's shape on the blackboard.
 These germs are flying about in the air. especially in houses where people nave consumption. Here when their sputum dries up, the germs float into the air which we arc always breathing into our lungs
 A man in a day will probably spit out four Or five million germs. If we are sicl1ly and weak the germs will start the disease in our lungs. If you do not have these germs in your lungs you cannot have consumption. The important thing is to kill these germs, the problem, to get rid of these millions of organisms. Consumption cannot spread from one man to another unless by the germs from dried sputum or sa- liva. It is an infectious. not a con- tagious disease. In sist on seeing that no one splits around your house and never spit on the floor or sidewalk
 Sunlight will kill the germs. also boiling, and those on a cloth dipped in strong carbolic acid solution will likewise be killed, but the most certain way Is by burning. Disease will nev- CT spread if germs are destroyed. No one need have any fear of consump- tive If care is taken. Eating utensils should not be used by another. Never kiss consumptive, said the doctor.
 Of course consumptives can get well if the cases are found in the first stages. One-half of those treated at the Gaylord santitarium at Wallingford are back working, with the disease un- der control. You don't have to go to Colorado, or New York state. con sumption can be cured right here in Norwich.
 No medicine by itself can cure the
 
 fresh air, sunshine and good food, Some people can afford these things, but what are you going to do for the poor fellow who cannot afford one of them. There is not place in Norwich or the surrounding country where he can be treated. He can be cured, but he must die because there is no place to send him.
 We want to get place right here in Norwich where we can treat con- sumption for these poor people. One of the great things the Red Cross so- ciety is doing is trying to have a camp to treat consumption in this city. This Red Cross camp means that the lives of great many people who have consumption will be saved.
 After liberal applause for Dr. Bro- phys remarks, and Father Keefe had expressed thanks, Mrs. William Camp Lanman, secretary and treasurer of the Norwich division of the American Red Cross society, spoke of the aims of the society in regard to tuberculosis work, saying that what was first want ed was camp where sunshine, fresh aid and good food, with trained nurses would help cure consumption. In re- gard to means of getting money, Mrs. Lanman spoke of the Red Cross stamps, from the proceeds of which 80 cents out of every dollar is for the fund to start a camp. A thousand dol lars by January 1st will mean day camp by April.
 The speakers were heard with att tentive interest. pr. Brophy will ad- dress adults on the same subject Fri day evening.