New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1913-02-01
HOME HEALTH CLUB.
Scarlet Fever aud Diphtheria.
By Dr.. David II. Reeder,

l
Chicago, Ill.
There is at present raging in many
communities, large and small an especial
ly severe epidemic of Scarlet Fever and
Dipbtheria. True to its belief in tradi-
tons that "an ounce of prevention is
better than pound of cure the Home
Health Club offers in the following article
some timely advice on the subjects.
There are now in the city of Chicago
1000 cases of Scarlet Fever and 500 of
Diphthera these numbers being from two
to three times the average expected for
this season of the year and increasing
rapidly Not only is his case, but both
diseased are raging in much more vr-
ulent form than of late years. Further,
it is feared that reopening of the schools
on January 9th will have furnished oppor-
tunity for the infection of many suscepti
bic children by others healthy themselves
or only mildly affected who, being carriers
of the disease, may transmit il to the d-
| StHbt hhH1 HoSL NiTuItHI IOItB.
In view of these facts all parents and
others who have the care of children
should take all possible precautions to
av. id the contraction by their little ones
of either of these dreaded ma ladies'. II is
| hardly necessary to suggest that children
should be warned to keep away from
Others who may complain of sore throat or
| show any signs Of rash on the skin. They
should be cautioned against using drink
ing caps, towels and all articles Of person
al use to when otbers have access In
deed to be on the safe side each child
should have his or her own individual cup,
etc. All individuals, both adults and
children, VINO 6ud il necessary to take all
or part of their meals mt restaurants or
lunch counters should make a practice of
using mouth wash after each meal as in
lection may be transmitted by dishes
which have been cleansed in the Gust ON
airy slipshod way.
As the infective material in both these
diseases is introduced into the body |
through the mucous men ranes OF throat
and nose, these parts should be frequently |
cleansed with antiseptic wash. Obtain
at the drug store some simple mouth and
tn, oat wash, such rs Liquor Antse pticus, |
or Liquor Antisepticus AIkalinus, which |
are the same as those sold under the trade
names of Listerine and GIycotbymoline
at higher price. Hydrogen Peroxide
is also suitable. These should all be used |
diluted with equal quantities of warm
boiled water as a mouth wash and garg.e,
and also applied by means Of an atomizer
or nasal douche to the lining membrane
OF the nose Il would be well to d. this
three times daily.
Frequent bathing, always commendable,
is now particularly useful. and an admir-
able wash of a highly tonic and antiseptic
nature, may be prepared by adding dilut
ed acetic acid or good white vinegar to
the water in quantity sufficieA to impaft
tinging sensation to the more delicate
parts of the skin. The clothes, of course
should be changed frequently and those
just worn should be given . thorough air
ing aud exposure to the sunlight before
being put on. Buy milk only from diaries
known to be conducted accordiI & to sani
tary principles.
While suggesting the use OF simple
precautions, such as these. it is not intend
ed that anyone should attempt to rely on
them in ease they are unfortunate enough
to have one or more of their chidrens
taken down with either Diphtheris or
Scarlet Fever, even though it should be a
mild form.
A doctor should be called in and no at
tempt should be made to evade the regu-
lations of the Health Department regard
ing quarantine, as it is only by the sola-
ton of such eases that epidemics ate pre-
vented or held in check, and we should
all be public spirited enough to be willing
10 put up with u certain amount OF incon
veniences when such vital interests as the
health of the community are at stake.