The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1921-10-21
TUBERCULOSIS: WHAT SHOULD
WE DO ABOUT 1T AND WITH 1T


Few diseases there are which to the
average person cause greater anxiety
fear or despair than tuberculosis, and
to be told that ore is victim OF tu-
berculosis usually means that this in
dividual at once becomes extremely
sensitive of his condition, and con-
siders himself doomed to shortened,
uncertain and torturing existence, os-
tracized by society, burden to his
family and a menace TO his friends,
with but the one and inevitable out
come, death, to look forward to.
Such thoughts however should new
er exist, for tuberculosis encountered
in its earlier stages can in a large
majority of cases be arrested, and
even many of the far advanced cases,
particularly if one lung alone be IN
volved, can be sufficiently arrested,
as to allow the Individual to live a
useful and happy life, limited only to
common sense, healthful routine, and
r,stricted from doing heavy labor.
There has been no new discovery
to prompt these statements, nor are
we offering anything original, great
or startling. 1t is simply the SAIL
torium treatment, fresh air, good
food, sunlight, graduated exercise
when indicated, and artificial pneumo-
thorax intelligently applied by ply
sician trained in tuberculosis work,
supported always by the heartiest CO.
operation of the patient himself.
The Importance of diagnosing tu-
berculosis very early in it's course can
not be over estimated, for al early
knowledge of the condition not only
materially increases the patients
chances for a permanent arrest OF the
disease, but if he be properly IN
structed, he will live without spread
ing the disease to those with whom ne
may come in contact, and need not
be- abhorred by society.
1T is now generally believed by the
tuberculosis specialists that approx
naately 95 percent of all persons are
at some age in life infected with the
tubercle bacillus, and by far the most
of: these infections take place before
adult life is reached. Not all Of this
large percentage develop active tu-
berculosis, it being necessary for
some additional weakening influence
to bring out the activity, however
should this added influence bring
about activity during childhood, the
tuberculosis would run more RAPID
and more fatal course.
There are many diseases and con-
6;tions that may be classed as assls-
tants 10 the germ of tuberculosis IN
ia deadly work, but the more impor-
taat of these are colds, influenza,
measles, scarlet fever and whooplng
caugh. and such conditions that favor
the development and spread of these
diseases, as insufficient and improper
ciothing and foods, poor hygienic sur
roundings, poor ventilations and lack
OF proper quarantine.
gfWhen one notices lack of the
usnal "pep" and vigor, feels more or
less tired rather often, develops a
slight cough or regular clearing OF
throat in the morning, colds that
persist, appetite below par,sand per-
haps sleeplessness, with or without
aSloss of weight, it is sufficient cause
ia be alarmed, and visit to the doc
tor for thorough examination IS IN
order. Children who fail to romp
and play as they normally should, and
who are in any way below par, had
bsst be given special chest examina-
t5n, on clinic day set apart as a
part of the work connected with the
medical inspection of school children
as now required by state law.
1t would be we'll if each county
could provide sanatorium for tuber-
culosis cases, a visiting nurse for
those curing at home, and an open air
school for pre-tuberculosis children,
but until such is established, certain
ly number of counties could form a
league, be given state and county ap-
preparations, and thus provide for the
operation of an institution for such
individuals who could not afford the
higher rate of private san:torium,
located perhaps in some distant state.
What would your county do if asked
to take part in such league.
Summary:
If you feel that you have fair
number of the early symptoms of tu-
berculosis lose no time but consult a
physician at once.
Jf told Won bava tho disease hV a0v