The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1921-09-08

Cnc HTSC requirement. We nave put
to put the patient to bed; to meet
the second is far more difficult, for
it has to do with the psychic element
of the man himself.
l have been asked to speak to you
about the value of the handcrafts as
diversional occupations for convale-
scent patients with tuberculosis, and
TO suggest the craft most suitable,
and the conditions under which they
would be taught.
We are realizing more and more
clearly the subtle reaction of the
mind and spirit upon the body. 1t
an experience common to all of
rs that Encouragement, worry, or
grief lessen our vitality, and cause
more or less serious fatigue and
functional disturbances. Success,
happiness, enthusiasm bring us new
life and vigor, ant release unexpected
energy. If this IS true in health,
how much more important is the
effect of attitudes of mind when ply
steal and nervous resistance Is i'm
paired by illness. With tuberculosis
patients particularly, doctors re-
cognize this. Every effort is be-
ing made to surround them with a
pleasant envlconment and to pro-
vide every possible means of keeping
them happy and contented, and free
from worry and depression during the
long months of convalescence. Music
books, moving pictures are to be
found in most of our large sanatoria,
and now we are adding diversional oc
equations of many kinds. One of
the hardest things about illness is
the realization of loss of time, and
strength and usefulness. If we can
lesson this feeling even in a slight
mesaure, we keep our sick ones more
cheerful. To awaken a patients
interest in some old-time handi-
craft, suited to his ability, tempera-
ment and strength, helps to divert
his thoughts into new and pleasant
channels. A natural creative in
stinct is satisfied by making some
thing truly worth while from begin
ming to end. He forgets himself in
the pleasure of doing it and RECEIVERS
more quickly.
Diversional occupations for tuber-
culous patients must, of course, be
carried on under very careful me-
dical supervision, because they have
a physical az well as mental effect.
No patient should be allowed to un-
dertake any work until he has the
consent of his physician who must
say how long he may work each day
and indicate in general the type of
work.
Occupational teachers do not as a
rule have sufficient medical know
ledge to assume any responsibility
in this matter. Nurses also should
remember this, and never suggest
that a patient begin work until the
attending physician prescribes it.
Patients will naturally differ in
ability and in things that interest
them. Making basket may appeal
to one and not at all to another,
who, however, may find pleasure in a
piece of wood carving or in making
Toy. Therefore, the work should be
varied. But the number of teachers
employed, the space for workrooms,
the funds available, will determine
how many crafts can be taught. One
teacher can do justice to only a
limited number of patients. She
must give close attention and careful
instruction to each to prevent UNI
necessary mistakes which are dis
couraging. She must be watchful
Of the physical and mental effects of
the work and Ebert to any signs of
fatigue or loss of interest. She
needs plenty of time to prepare ma
terials and to put them into shape
to be easily handled b ythe patients.
Her time and energy will reach only
SO far and if greater demands are
made upon her then she can possibly
meet, it will result in lessening the
efficiency of her work.
We hear a good deal these days,
about occupational therapy for dis
bled soldiers, about vocational train
ing and the restoration to useful CT
tizenshp of crippled men. One US
ually thinks of wounded men in
this connection but the government
program includes the rehabilitation
Of those who have been attacked by
including tuberculosis. In
the larger sanatoria for the treat
ment of tuberculosis, which for ex-
soldiers or civilians, vocational is
now definite part of the training
given.
Miss Florence Macdonald whom,
we were able to secure for this work