Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-02-10
Heroic But Vain Dash on
Snowshoes to Dying Man
STATE HEALTH HEAD
RADIOS WARNING ON
COLDS, PNEUMONIA
Especial to Kennebec Journal)


Portland, Me-, Feb. 9.-"This is
the season which develops diseases
of the respiratory tract If people are
careless in their habits" declared DIR.
Clarence F. Kendall of Augusta,
State commissioner of health, in de-
livering a health message on the top
ic. Pneumonia which talk was
broadcast this evening from radio
station WCSH of this city.
1.-THE ordinary Common cold may
be the forerunner of influenza or
pneumonia" he continued. "Pneu-
monia occurs throughout the year.
but there is a steady rise in the
number of cases from October to
March or April and a gradual de-
cline through the rest Of the year.
Pneumonia kills more people
than any other preventable and COM
municable disease. in fact more than
all the other diseases of the respira-
tory tract put together.
"In 1922. we had in the State of
Maine 1889 deaths from pneumonia,
525 deaths of pulmonary tuberculo-
sis and 962 deaths from cancer.
"In 1923, we had HOG deaths from
pneumonia, SOP deaths from pulmon-
airy tuberculosis and 9S2 from can
Ger.
I'm 1924, we had 1872 deaths from
pneumonia, 442 deaths from pulmon-
airy tuberculosis and 94S from can
Ger.
practically one-tenth of all the
people who die in our State die from
pneumonia. This not only is true in
the State of Maine, but in all the
northern states"
DIR. Kendall asserted that as near
as can be estimated the mortality
from this disease is about one in
four cases, or 25 per cent. The 70
per cent. Of those who survive from
this illness, which Is usually severe.
recover completely, and in most
cases enjoy as good health as before
the disease. There are complications
in some cases, such as pleurisy, lung
abscess, nephritis and organic heart
disease, and in some instances has
followed this disease.
In discussing prevention and con-
ltOl Vi klIAo ulSClSC,
Kendall pointed out that every case
of this disease should be regarded as
a possible source of danger to other
persons. The attending physicians
should isolate every case Of pneu-
monia. should report the case to the
local health officer and should ad-
wise precautionary measures against
the further spread of the disease.
Instructions should be given care
fully to care for and destroy all Sec
relations of the mouth and nose.
Commissioner Kendall than gave
a list of seven rules for the sick
room and the following list of every
day rules"
Keep out Of range Of careless open
mouth coughers. 1t has been observed
that persons have promptly come
down with pneumonia afte rassocia-
ton with some other one who had a
temporary cough. due to common
cold or slight attack of bronchitis.
Keep yourself in as fit a condition
as possible SO that you may not have
lowering Of the natural resistance
which helps to protect you from the
danger that you may incur in your
association with persons who may
be carriers of infections
Avoid crowded places during win
ter months, as close contact with
large numbers may spread pneumonia
as well as other germs.
Avoid extremes Of temperatures
The body cannot adjust itself to sud i.
den changes.
avoid. overwork to the point of
exhaustion, as fatigue lowers body
resistance.
Live hygienic life which includes
properly balanced food. plenty OF
outdoor exercise and sufficient rest"