Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-14
Health Talks, by Dr.. Vim. Brady

tCopyriEht. 1916 National Newspaoer Service,
How Infnntilc PnrnIysi. Sprendn.

DR.. Flexner OF the Rockefeller Institute. dis
covered several years ago that the virus (prob-
ably germ or organism too small for our pres
ent microscopic lenses) of infantile paralysis Is
present in the nasal Secretions of persons who
attack who have been nursing or init
mately in contact with poliomyelitis patient
1t is therefore quite probable that any such per-
son may convey the Injection to non-immune
persons just measles scarlet fever, sore
throats and ordinary coryza tso-called head
cold) conveyed, namely. via the open-face
sneeze the unmuzzled cough kissing. splatter-
Ing saliva in conversation
All sorts of plausible and absurd theories
were put forth by physicians and laymen last
summer to account for the infantile paralysis
epidemics in va rious parts of the country Spec-
ulation is pleasant occupation for the unset
entihc mind. One whole-souled
convinced that the custom of letting children go
barefoot wear low socks and sandals instead
of stockings accounted for the epidemic. Her
idea was that exposure weakened the little legs
Well. II that were true the disease ought to
affect chiefly the handsomer and shapely
women of the community. Also most of
who were lucky enough to be too poor to afford
shoes and stockings excepting Sundays and
circus day when we were kids should have had
fnfantile paralysis.
Another philosopher. doctor. opined that
tho custom of buying exposed fruit, on railway
virus. II you have Tony breathing on
his apples to polish them UP. it will he easy to
imagine that there might be grain OF truth in
this theory.
Flies have been strongly suspected. both ordi-
nary garbage-can dining flies and the
more ferocious stable flies. Proof of guilt is
still lacking
It is quite sufficient to remember that per
sonal contact or association OF n immune
child with a person who has recently had the
disease lived in contact with il Is the chief
thing to prevent in order to escape a visitation
OF infantile paralysis.
Questions and Answers.
Raw Cooked, AS You Prcfer.-I have
noticed that you suggest bran for consultation
and dyspepsia assume you mean wheat bran
Can 1t be eaten raw. must it be cooked?
II. NJ
Answer.--As you prefer. Raw or cooked
Wheat bran may be bought in cartons from
grocers who handle the cereals, and SO it comes
baked.
Soldiers Home, and there is a cordial difference
of opinion regarding leaving windows open at
night while sleeping Your opinion on
this would be gratefully and respectfully re-
ceived TEN IT.
women to the home. Are they afraid OF bogeys
fairies there? Leave the windows wide omen
and preserve your youth.
Fleeing. Physiology SO to Speak-would
you mind printing your opinion OF children be-
tween the ages Of six and twelve eating be-
tween meals? Please make II quite clear inst
what you think, for all the mothers around here
follow your advice in such matters. A. M
Answer-It is a long time between meals for
little tummies, and so believe child should
have something to eat about 10 A. NJ. and about
| or T. NJ. every day. Preferably. for strength
growth and red cheeks. graham bread and mar
Sarine and brown sugar