The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1911-11-03

chewed food that refused to build
healthy tissue and brain matter2
Can you wonder at this child with
a diseased mouth and all it's associat-
ed troubles, with adenoids, unable to
keep his place in school, Stunned by
his companions and no place in his
childish sports, becoming discourag-
ed? He is told that he is not
bright" He loses faith in himself,
and looks with envy on those more IA
vored. He plays hockey" and finds
cOngenial companions outside his
school life and ofttimes becomes a
physical and moral degenerate.
Now, We cannot escape this -respon-
sibility. The child of today is to be
the ruler of tomorrow; the lawmaker
and the governor of our large cities
and the laws of our state are full OF
makeshifts placed there by those who
did not have a square deal" in our
schools and suffered a mental handi-
cap: they were never free and
equal" and this is part of the cost
that every community is paying for
poorly developed children.
DO you think this picture has been
overdrawn? How many children
whom you know have entered school
full of promise and from some un-
known cause have slowly drifted from
bad to worse-lost their place and de-
generated physically and mentally?
Dr. Gulick, after some time investi-
eating this matter, says that two de-
fective teeth in the mouth of child
will retard him for half year in his
studies.
What are we doing for these chill
dren in this land of ours? Why,
practically nothing. We have plenty
of money to fight doodle bugs, foot
and mouth disease among our cattle,
and infectious diseases among our
hogs and money for forest preserves
anu DdEec CdHdi. OOu L yOu IAlAh
IL would be economy to spend little
of this money on our greatest nation
al asset, the boys and girls of today,
who are so soon to be our rulers and
lawmakers? How long, Oh Lord,
how long shall the blind lead the
blind?
These statements as here presented
you may or may not believe, but truth
is strong, and must prevail. Dentist
~ has a most important place in the
practice of preventive medicine. You
must accept this. Any other attitude
in this year of our Lord is barking
back TO the Voodoo doctor and the
dark ages. Let in the light!-Wm.
w. Belcher. d. d. s., Rochester. n. Y.
Who should be physically examin-
ed? All children; normal students;
teachers. janitors, buildings, grounds;
in all school districts, public. paro-
chial. private, rural and urban.
How often? AT least once year.
How many children need treat
ment? Seven out of ten; 3 out of 10
for eyes: out of 10 for breathing
troubles; out of 10 for bad teeth.
What is the penalty for physical de-
fects? Retardation, Encouragement,
dropping out. annual waste estimated
by Leonard A. Ayres at s12,O0O,0O0.
Does examination lead to treat
ment? For l out of 10 if parents are
merely notified; but for out of 10
II parents really understand.
How may parents be made to un-
derstand? BY following up educa-
tional work by teachers, nurses, ply
sicians.
What win treatment do? Decrease
retardation. tighten teachers labors,
hasten pupils progress.
Who can do most to secure legisla-
ton? State superintendent and
newspaper editors.
How may efficacy of treatment be
tested? BY denomination and hy
watching school progress
What is the most inclusive COM
pulsory law? That for Indianapolis
What state has printed best instruc-
tions? Probably Massachusetts. but
the Louisiana health board has best
sanitary code.
Who will answer questions and
make helpful suggestions? Bureau
OF Municipal Research, POI Broadway,
New York City; Russell Sage Founda-
ton, l Madison avenue, New York
City; United States Commissioner of
Education, Washington, D. C.
Whom is it possible to interest in
physical welfare of school children?
Everybody.
When should the legislative cam
paign begin? At once, and last until
won.