The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1916-04-01
PELLAGRA PREVENTION.
Spring Dict Determines Summer
eymptoms--Variety Of Food Rec.
commended.

season OF the year is the chief factor
III Inc production of pellagra. Meas
ures 10 prevent the DEVELOPMENT Of
the disease should be instituted dur
ing the early spring months, accord
ingsto circular of information issued
by the United States public health SER
vice. While the manifestations Of
peilagra- are in most cases not in
evidence until June or July, the con-
eiuon invariably dates from a faulty
alet or earlier months. therefore.
Que precautions are exercised by
inaividuals at the present time the
haVoc wrought by this scourge may
pc greatly lessened. If not entirely
eliminated.
The report further calls attention.
70 certain danger signals which should
pc recognized by those who reside in
peilagrous districts or those who have
mad previous attacks Of the disease
Among, such warning symptoms are
eAtFeme nervousness or change in the
Wental characteristics of the individf-
4 weakness or debility, a disincli-
nasion 10 undertake the ordinary daily
tasks. and unexplained digestive symp-
TOMS may all be premonitory signs.
These symptoms do not, of course,
necessarily mean the development of
pelIagrsl. but taken In connection with
the history of 0ne-sided, monoton-
GUS. diet, they serve as a definite
'waFning of the possibilities Of its
,onaet
The diet recommended by the health
service for the prevention Of pellagra
wiH not produce results If followed,
ior q week or ten days only. but if
co4tinuously and consistently used,
under circumstances similar to it's
administration In the various institu-
t&opss where the experimental tests
nave been performed. it will protect
the individual against the Develop
metat Of the disease. Necessarily,
riedd UNMARRIED diet Is wholly undesir-
aple and the menu recommended is
only to indicate in a general way the
character Of the food to be prescribed.
Freqnently the element of poverty. in
accessibility to market supplies, or
even personal idiosyncrasy, may re-.
qutce some modification of the diet
table. SO that strict adherence to
ats seomponents may not in all re-
spepts be practicable. The. object of
the diet as submitted Is to minimize
the consumption OF the carbohydrate
(starchy and sweet foods and 10 IN
crease the amount of fresh animal
protein and Of fresh legumes (peas
and beans.)
The breakfast. for example. should
consist Of oatmeal and cream, with
out sugar, with either ham or break
fast bacon and two eggs. Not more
than two thin slices Of whole wheat
bread should be taken. preferably un-
toasted. Hot bread or biscuits are
lnadvisable. A glass of fresh milk is
to accompany the breakfast and eth
er oranges or grape fruit may be the
Initial course. The dinner should
consist Of either pea or bean soup,
prepared from dried peas or beans,
with a meat stock. The meat may be
beef, pork, nam, chicken, veal or
mutton, prepared in whatever man
ner Is the most appetizing, prefer
ence being given to roasting or broil-
ing rather than frying. Hamburger
steak, meat hash, or fish may be sub
stituted to afford variety. Care should
be exercised that the meats are not
ovefdone. OF vegetables. Irish po-
tatoes. boiled in the jacket or baked,
cabbage, turnip or mustard green's,
coilards and lettuce, are to be recon-
mended. For dessert, stewed, fresh
or dried fruit will prove sufficient.
The dinner should be accompanied by
not more than two thin slices of
whole wheat bread and glass of but
termilk. The supper should consist
of pork and beans. or baked beans
properly seasoned. the usual amount
of bread and glass of buttermilk
II preferred, eggs, scrambled or 9TH
erwise prepared, may he substituted
for the more substantial ingredient of
the meal.
A diet such as the above is not pro-
hihitive as to cost, at least to but few
of the residents of the country, af-
fords a sufficient number of heat
units, II taken in reasonable quantity,
and will effectually prevent the de-
velopment OF q disease which alone
caused 5000 deaths in the United
a 90 81