Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-08-16

available from teachers, child helping
experts, or club leaders.
Standards Of Physical and Mental
Health
Cor further suggestions about the
maintenance of health standards, see
Chapter IN, A r G 200.)
So many people become accus-
toned to a low health standard that
they actually regard ill-health al a
normal thing. Accustom the family
to a higher standard. Attend to den
tai defects, eye defects, nose and
throat defects in time, bringing them
promptly to the notice of the proper
medical and dental specialists.
1t will be necessary, in particular, to
guard against an increase of tubercu-
losls. The experience of foreign
countries, especially of France, in this
war. indicates the possible rapid spread
of this disease. Accordingly. especial
attention should be directed % to any
loss of weight in members of the fami-
les visited, CD to any persistent cold
or cough, CD to fever or loss of appe-
tlte Suspected cases should be i'm
mediately referred to a doctor or to
the local tuberculosis dispensary. If
the presence of the disease is deter
mined, adequate care, either at home
or in an available sanatorium or hos
rital. should be provided. Close CO.
operation between Red Cross visitors
and the local anti tuberculosis agen-
cjes is advised.
The diet Of the family, both in
quantity and variety may be i'm
proved where this seems necessary, by
consulting home economist One of
the cooking classes organized now in
SO many places might be just what the
mother or older girl of the family
needs. Mr.. Hoover's messages to the
country about food conservation
should be distributed by Home Service
visitors wherever they go.
Housing conditions that make for
health and decency should be main
tanned, and the aid of the board of
health. or whatever department is
charged with the duty, should be
sought in remedying insanitary condi-
uons and IN removing nuisances
Inc signs of mental defect and mem
tai disturbance escape those who have
mad no experience of either but it can
not be too strongly advised that the
advice of specialist be sought at once
II there is reason to suspect feeble
mlndedness or mental disease either in
the children or any Of the older mem
bers of family,
Standard Working Conditions
Unless we are able to learn by the
mistakes OF Great Britain in the
Garner years Of her presnt struggle
mistakes winch she recognizes now
we shall be confronted with attempts
70 speed up industry at the expense of
the health and strength of the work.
ers. (See Housing, Fatigue, and
Health in British Munition Factories
and Employment of Women and
Juveniles in Great Britain during the
war. United States Department of
Labor Statistics Bulletin. whole num-
hers 221 and 223) There is no excuse
Tor this, as President Wilson has
pointed out. Strict administration of
the laws now on our statute books for
the protection of workers against long
hours and unwholesome processes. and
the earnest cooperation of every vol
unteer engaged III Home Service to as
sure this enforcement deserves es-
pecial emphasis.
First Of all, the Home Service work.
er should know what the national
state, and local provisions are-not
only the laws regulating working con-
dltlons. but the agencies and officials
responsible for their enforcement.
What provisions are there about max
imum hours2 What is standard
working Gay for men, for women. for
children Of working age? Is one DAYS
rest in seven provided for by law Is
night work prohibited for women ?
For children" What hazardous en-
Payments are prohibited for either or
BOTH Children who work are re-
quired to have employment certificates
in almost all of our states Have
these been issued legally? Women
need special protection from overwork
before and after childbirth. Ask the
lawyer upon your Consultation Com
n1ittee fsee page 2O about the laws ap-
plicable to these matters.
The ccuntenancing of any form of
illegality is a poor way to serve the
home and the nation. Whether the
action is LEGAL or not it is going to be
a mistake to thrust women into in
dustry who can serve better at home.
When children have temporarily lost
their fathers. they should not be or
phaned by being deprived Of their
mothers also. On the contrary. Home
Service should keep the family group
intact as long as the elements Of home
life-of affection and mutual helpful
ness-are there.
Other Forms Of Service
The absence of a husband. or
father, or SON." writes a. Canadian
worker. is not supplied by 4 grant
Of SIS a month (from the Patriotic
Fund) Family crises go on just the
same; babies are born the roof leaks:
there are epidemics of infantile par
alysis: country holidays must be ar
ranged: and in most families the
father has been more than a financial
factor. This occasions the real need
for service" Aside from the money
relief to he considered in the next sec