Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-08-27
GUARD THE CHILDREN

Physicians report an unusual number of cases Of dis
ease Of the familiar summer type. particularly among 1T
tie children. The Board of Health and tho city physician
have published warnings with reference to care In feed
Ing and general treatment, and these warnings should be
needed.
Most of the troubles Of the little ones just now can
De traced to, sudden changes in temperature, to insult
able food, or to both. To counterfeit the former the OBJ
vious course is to see that the child is properly clothed
and is not subjected needlessly to great and sudden
changes of>heat and cold. On a boiling hot day the child
Is naturally more comfortable as lightly clothed as pos
sible, but II this great heat is followed quickly by a COOL
ing OF the air, which is quite common. the thinly clad
child Is given a shock which may easily be followed by
a whole train OF ills. Heavy clothing in hot weather is
an abomination, but the authorities seem to be agreed
that the best combination Of comfort and safety are to be
obtained by the use of a thin garment Of light wool next
to the child's skin. This is not uncomfortable in hot
weather, but the absorbent and non-conducting properttes
of the wool tend to prevent chills which may be disas-
trous.
In the matter of food. simplicity is the ruules Under
feeding is safer for the normal child than overlooking.
With the exception Of certain fruit juices. knocked foods
are to be avoided. There should be scrupulous care as to
and absolute purity of milk and water. Food of all
kinds should be freshly prepared. and it is needless to
say that all dishes and utensils used in connection with
it should be immaculate.
Details Of care and treatment must be governed by
the ascertained needs of the Individual child. There is
nd general rule which applies to all cases, and there is no
unfailing authority as to the course to be pursued in any
individual case. That which comes nearest to infallibility
is the scientific skill Of the family physician who is
familiar with the child from birth with the observation
and eternal vigilance of a wise and loving mother. This
combination is not infallible, but there is nothing known
which equals 1t. 1-
The fact that a given child was fed in q given way
with good results is not necessarily a guide for the feed
ing Of another child. One may be robust and the other
frail One may be highly nervous and another phlegmat-
&c. The digestion of one may be perfect while that of
the other is not In a section OF chicago's West Side, in
habited by Italian tenement dwellers. children of all ages.
down to the very youngest. may be seen in the hottest
weather parading the streets and RECALLING themselves
freely on green cucumbers, over-ripe melons and other
odds and ends which they have picked up from the pave
ment or begged or pilfered from passing hucksters, and
The Herald has it from a physician who has practced
for years in that district that the children are an unusual
ly healthy lot, little given to digestive disturbances. To
as fatal as a German invasion.
The whole thing may be summarized in the recon-
mendation to prevent disease, if possible, by good care
and judicious feeding, and, on the first sign of disturb
ance that is not thoroughly understood. call the family
physician. & .