The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-08-31

see to 1t that the women of the State
will have a fair deal. 1t Is not fair
to permit these women to continue child
bearing and rearing of children on the
isolated farms of the State without
more instruction in health at this crit
ical period. Other communities are
furnishing this aid--Maryland can do
so likewise.
To Spread Gospel OF Child Care.
THE children's bureau, through the
l. distribution Of literature, through
information published in the county
papers, through public meetings in vari-
GUS centers throughout the State, is en-
deayoring to spread the gospel Of child
care so tLat as ia- as possible every
mother may become familiar with the
fundamental principles Of safe child
bearing and child nurture.
Even more important to the present
generation of mothers is the furnishing
to them of direct aid through personal
contact with trained and tactful
woman-the public health nurse. This
somewhat recent addition to the health
forces should be multiplied throughout
rural Maryland.
The job of the public health nurse
Is not primarily to nurse the sick, al
though she does not leave home where.
there is illness without making provi-
sion for the care of the patient, but
| rather to help to keep people well.
She t0Orks under the direction of ply
sicieAs and brings to their attention
many cases at the beginning of illness
who would not otherwise so promptly
consult a doctor Only one who has
followed public health nurse on Der
daily rounds can appreciate what q
boon she is to the community.
Visits Perplexed Mothers.
CHE takes time to visit many tired
- and perplexed mother and advises
her about her own health and that Of
her children, instructing her how to
prevent the spread of infectious diseases,
how to care for the tuberculosis patient
and how to remedy any insanitary con-
diriohs She encourages her to seek
medical aid for the child who needs
treatment for defective vision, who is
undernourished, who is mouth breath
err, or living under some other physical
handicap
She comes as sympathizing but skill
Jul friend to the expectant mother, helps
her to make satisfactory arrangements
| for her confinement and brings COM
fort during the anxious period of wait
ing. She instructs mothers singly and
in groaps, in personal hygiene and home
sanitation and explains at first hand
| the printed directions furnished by the
Health Department.
More than this, the public health
nurse is relied upon to assist in the
health consultations that may be Or
ganized by the Health Department in
her territory and to cooperate with var
ious organizations. women's clubs and
mothers and teachers associations in
terested in promoting health.
Nurse For Each 5000.
EVERY county in the State should
T. have a public health nurse for
every 5000 people, supported by private
o. public funds and assisted lin her,
work by the State Health Department.
The chldren's bureau is actively con-
cerned in increasing the number Of these
nurses because it knows from expe
rience elsewhere whenever they go that
the incidence of disease and death
diminish and a larger proportion of
children keep well.
If these informal talks have been
helpful to any mothers, and above all.
il they have pointed out that it is the
duty and privilege of those who 'know
and have" to help the other women In
the community to take better care Of
themselves and their children, the writer
will he abundantly rewarded