The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1919-07-04
SCHOOL nurse REPORT
STATEMENT MADE BY MISS
ABBlE J. PETERS
Large Amount Of Work Was Ac-
compIished BY This
Official

the school year just closed:
The school year of 1918-1919 has
been somewhat of disappointment
as much of the work I had planned
to do had to be omitted on account
of the great amount of time consum-
ed by the Influenza epidemic. Schools
were closed on October 16. On Oc-
tober 26, took charge of Bethany
hospital and was there until Novem-
Der rs, then had one week of rest
before returning to my school work.
Fully six weeks Of my time was
spent away from the school work.
Only newly admitted children and
children who were retarded in their
work, or children who were sent to
me by their parents or the teacher.
were given physical examination.
The following table will show the
physical defects found:
Number of children examined, 787
Number having bad nose and
throat condition. 368.
Bad teeth, BOG.
Enlarged cervical CLANS, 1T.
Goiter, 10.
Defective vision, "a.
Defective hearing, Z.
Mallnutrition, II.
Flat feet, IL.
Chorea, 13.
Anemia, "a.
Cases of uncleanliness of clothing
and body, 379.
Skin diseases, 43.
Pediculosis.2.
Eye diseases, 48.
Discharging ears, 5.
There were 218 visits made to
school buildings.
During the year, 4,457 inspections
were made of the children and gen.
eral conditions of rooms and toilets,
Seating, lighting, ventilation and
cleanliness were observed at this
time Cleanliness of toilets in most
buildings satisfactory. Ventilation
and seating could be improved upon.
Liquid soap, paper towels and run
ming water are available to the chill
dren in all the buildings.
During an epidemic of tonsilitis,
eleven cultures were taken and sent
to the state laboratory for examina-
ton. All proved to be free from
diphtheria-
There were three cases of humps,
three OF whooping cough, fifteen OF
measles and ten of chickenpox.
One boy was in school week with
a broken arm. The parents were
notified of his condition. They made
no effort to have it cared for, but
were perfectly willing for me to take
him to doctor, when accompanies
the child home and explained to the
mother that the boy must have
proper care at once.
Parents have been very reluctant
the past year to have physical de-
fects corrected, due to the heavy ex-
pense during the influenza epidemic
Following is list of corrections
made:
Nose and throat operations, 26.
Glasses fitted, Is.
Teeth filled or Strengthened, Il.
Surgical or medical attention
given, %.
Several OF the local physicians and
and dentists gave their services free
Of charge.
The relief work the past year has
been very heavy. and consumed much
time. Beds, beding and clothing OF
all kinds have been supplied by local
people to many families. Much OF
the clothing and many pairs OF shoes
were new. Several sewing circles
have been formed by different groups
of women to make clothing for
school children. Much of my time
has been spent doing bedside nurs
ing and field work, which is not as
rule done by the school nurse.
Nine dozen tooth brushes have
been supplied to children this year
There were 795 visits made to homes
where there was illness; and 81
visits made in cases of truancy. Re-
spectfully submitted Abbie ]. Peters,
school nurse.