Evening star., 1921-12-04

instruction for q period of years
and which has now been incorporated
az part Of the course of study ana
training for the elementary. schooi
pupils.
THE point Of view represented by
this modification of the course or
study Is important. Instruction In
physiology and hygiene OF the BODY
10 comparatively a failure unless It
on the part of the pupils receiving
such instruction. Instead OF empha-
sizing detailed facts of human physi-
ology. the present course OF stYdy em-
phasiZeS various health habits. This
new development is exceedingly
promising.
Physical Training Needed
I'm the high school physical train
ing Is required minor through the
four-year course. In athletics usu-
ally pupils receive physical exercise
and training who are already best
developed physically. In altogether
too many cases high school pupils
whose bodies should be built up by
exercises are receiving
too little attention and are being al
lowed to continue throughout their
high school period of education with
out correcting many physical defects
which should be corrected during that
period.
MANY pupils also go through high
school suffering from overfatigue and
overstrain, and many graduate or leave
school prematurely. not we'll fitted
physically to take up the duties of life.
SUCH pupils need careful study and
expert physical guidance. Their pro-
gram of activities should be adjusted to
their physical condition. Their bodies
should be built up by proper food and
health habits
Medical Examinations.
The report shows that the twelve
school medical examiners during the
year examined 1854 pupils for the de-
diseases. Some of these were complete
examinations, but the majority were
for diagnosis of some special symptom
noted by the teacher.N
The medical inspectors, according to
the report, examined physically S29 ap-
schools, virtually all of whom were
found to be suffering from one or more
ysical defects which should have been
corrected during their progress through
the elementary and high schools. They
also made 497 physical examinations of
applicants for teaching positions In the
schools. several of whom were certified
as unfit because suffering from tuber-
losis, cardiac LESSONS. partial blindness.
deafness or marked physical deformities
to such an extent as to affect materially
taeir probable success as teachers. AS
a result they were not appointed.
These physical examinations. said
DIR. Rallou, "are of great value. and
will undoubtedly insure a higher
standard of health among teachers
Such examinations are now made of
all applicants for admission to the
normal schools before graduation. and
of all candidates for teaching posi-
tions who come from other cities. 1t
should continue to be the policy of the
board of education to require physical
as well as intellectual and moral fit
schools of the Nations Capital"
Tubercular Pupils I'm SCHOOLS.
Referring to the tubercular schools,
Supt. Ballou expressed the opinion
that undoubtedly there are many pu-
pills now attending the regular
schools who, il examined. would be
found to be suffering from tubercu-
afforded them in the tubercular type
schools in order that they may re-
gain normal health.
THE new health school to be erect
ed to take the place Of the old Hamil-
ton School," the superintendent said.
will undoubtedly afford splendid edu-
cational and health service for this
type of pupil. 1t is to be hoped that
the school medical service may be eX-
tended SO that more of the pupils
heeding 1t may be examined early and
given this opportunity while the
prospect of complete recovery is still
good"
Many Under Weight.
The report emphasized that care
full surveys made in the schools in !
dicate that from 20 to 80 per cent
of all school children are 10 per cent
or more under weight. "As q cf1ild's |
weight is practical index to his |
condition, it is of the ut
most Importance that facilities be
provided for the weighing and meas
uring Of all school pupils" DR.. Bal |
lou commented. Twelve scales were
last year. There should |
be scales in every school. 1t is pro-
posed that scales be purchased as
soon as funds may be obtained for |
this purpose, and that the report of |
the actual height and weight of each /!
pupil. together with the amount
which he should weigh, be entered
on the report card. |
"The program proposed for the |
of this problem OF poor nu-
triton is both educational and cor
rective. First, the course in hygiene /!
should include instruction in good
SPECIAL NOTICES.