The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1911-04-27
TELLS OF FIGHT FOR HEALTH
Eenoshs Girls Essay on How to Pre-
vent Spread Of tuberculosis Pub
hshed Throughout the State by the
State Committee

The Crusader, the official organ OF
the Wisconsin committee in the fight
against tuberculosis is publishing
widely throughout the state an essay
by Miss Amy Pennfeather Of Kenosha.
The essay won the high school prize
in The contest conducted in Kenosha a
year ago. 1t follows:
Tuberculosis is the greatest plague
to which the human race is heir, 1t
ravages have continued unab&ted from
generation to generation until it has
become the most widespread and most
deadly Of all diseases common to man
kind" 1t is estimated that over one
hundred fifty thousand people die of
tuberculosis every year in the United
States; so that, unless the existing con-
ditions are improved, eight millions of
the people now living in our country
are destined to die of this disease.
Disease germs, like the seed one
plants, need suitable soil and favor
able conditions for their growth, and
there are no germs of which this is
more true than those of tuberculosis.
Among the common conditions that pre-
pare the body for the growth of the
tubercle bacillus within it, the follow
ing may be named
First, living in poorly lighted, poorly
ventilated, or damp houses. Disease
germs that cannot live more than few
hours in the bright sunlight, remain
alive and dangerous many months in
dark places Tubercle bacilli soon die
when the sun shines on them, and even
dihused sunlight acts as a germieide.
When the windows of a room are OPP
ened, the stale air passes out above
and the fresh air in below; hence, to
secure proper ventilation, the windows
should lie opened both from above and
below. An abundant supply of pure,
fresh air is powerful agent for the
prevention OF tuberculosis. We should
sleep in well ventilated bedrooms; and
we should make sure that the rooms in
which we live and work are properly
supplied with fresh air
Second, lack of plain, nourishing
food. Eating poorly cooked food caus-
es various troubles of the digestion.
This is one of the ways through which
the natural power of the body to resist
disease is weakened.
Third, lack of cleanliness. CleanE-
ness of the body, of clothing, habita-
tion and food, and of everything with
which we come in contact is an import
ant means Of protection against tuber-
culosis and other infectious diseases.
No better hiding places can be found
for tubercle bacilh than dirt and rub
bish. One should also remember that
clean and noble thoughts as well as
cheerfulness help to keep us well.
Fourth, lack Of outdoor exercise.
The lawyer, the merchant, the mechan-
ic, as well as the teacher and scholar,
spend many hours in rooms where the
air may become stale and impure, and
they should therefore take daily walks
In the open air. The best results are
obtained from exercise when it is TAX
en- in the open air. 1t should be mod
crate and of kind that uses all parts
of the body. Tt is said that one of
the evils of our modern athletics is the
strife to break records.
Fifth, loss of sleep. Sufficient sleep
is as necessary for the maintenance of
health as wholesome food and pure air.
One-third Of our lives is spent in bed;
hence, the Importance of proper bed
rooms. A thoroughly satisfactory bed
room must be we'll ventilated, and must
be so constructed that the sun can
shine into it during at least a part of
the day.
Sixth, cramping the lungs and organs
Of digestion, by habitually standing,
walking or sitting in bent or stopped
position. A stopped position, a curved
back, an open mouth, and hanging
chin are conditions that favor the de-
velopment of tuberculosis.
Seventh, neglected colds, coughs and
long-continued catarrhs. These disor-
ders may help the germs to enter and
grow in our bodies, and should there
fore not be neglected or treated as IN
important. The longer the door is left
open the more time the thief has to
enter
Eighth, house dust. When air that
contains dust is breathed, the dust is
deposited on the lining of the nose and
throat, and this delicate lining is irri.
ta5ed and injured in way that aids
the passage of disease germs through
sc into the body.
Ninth, intemperance and indulgence
in alcoholic drinks. The habitual use
of alcoholic drinks, even in moderate
quantities, is regarded by high medical
authorities as condition that favors
the development of tuberculosis. Elk.
cegaive indulgence in alcoholic drinks