The Washington times., 1914-07-10
By MISS MARY GwYNN.

fcation of milk was taught which
had never been done in Washington
before and had been strongly OPP
posed as Impractical. This establish
ment of home modification of milk
which is one of the most modern
the Diet Kitchens of other cities,
was needed in Washington.
Instruction in the Homes. :
After conference the nurse follows
up the cases. continuing the instruc-
tion In the homes. at the same time
teaching hygiene and diet. also using
her influence for the uplift of the
family. A number Of pathetic cir
Cunstanccs have convinced the well
fare station OF the great value OF
this branch Of the work and the
nurses report contains a few illus
trations Of its practical results.
Investigation Of the work done In
washington by other benevolent So
ciettes showed that the intensive
method proposed IN this plan had
never been tried her4 After study
Ing the system In the largest cities
OF the United States, there seemed
no doubt that uniting ths care of
the child with visits In the home
mus anord1ng an opportunity of ad-
IlkuCulleS IN In6
family and bringing assistance TO
them In the settlement Of their
problems-was along the lines of the
latest scientific conclusions ON this
subject, The special attention thus
ahorded to infant feeding has saved
many lives and rs gratifying as this
mas oeen, Il was felt thar the educa-
tion received by the mothers at tho
station and the splendid influence ex-
erGised by the nurse in the homo
VIII be still more helpful agency in
the preservation Of life and the pre-
Fention OF infant mortality.
Better Babies Contest.
While looking after the babies the
sick poor Of all ages are equally
cared for. the nurse visiting them in
their homes. Free milk Ia sun
piled to all such cases when they are
unable to pay for It.
In November a better babies CON-
test was held. 1t was the first Of
Its kind to take place in washing
ton. The standard was Of physical
perfection, not beauty. This was so
successful that the station intends to
repeat II annually, II being conclu-
sively proved that 1t was one of the
best means Of stimulating the moth
er to educate herself in the care of
her child. One very great benefit
derived from this contest was the
knowledge afforded by the test of
tmRerteSuo 5;. not no. apparent in the
brought to the attention of the
mothers. enabled them to take
measures In time for the relief or
maladies that would otherwise have
been beyond remedy. Great appre-
citation was found among the moth
ers OF this phase Of the contest.
many coming afterward asking for
this physical test that they might
have a chance to help their babies.
The diet kitchen Is greatly indebted
to the Associated Charities for their
help In the investigation of cases
thus preventing the duplication Of
relief. and George NJ. Oyster. jr..
price. The families are induced to
paw this small sum for milk when
ever possible.
A debt of gratitude Is due to the
staff OF physicians who have been so
faithful in attendance of their re-
spective conferences: the work accom-
plished being absolutely impossible
without their. cooperation. Their
services are given free.
Great praise Ia due Miss Wheeler.
the nurse In charge, for her intelli-
gent work In quickly understanding
the needs Of those receiving help and
by her sympathy in securing their
confidence and friendship. Much Is
owing to her knowledge of social
conditions which enabled her to out
into execution. with most satisfac-
tory results, In new and untriod
work. ......
The WASHINGTON Diet Kitchen Asso-
citation was Incorporated In May. 1918,
under the laws Of the District Of
Columbia