Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1929-04-19
The Prevention OF Dearness,

In connection with the all-year-round
activities for the advancement of the
health and well-being Of the children
Throughout the country, advocated by Presi-
dent Hoover in his proclamation setting
aside the first day Of May as Child Health
Day. special thought is being given in
many places to the needs Of the child who
has some physical or mental handicap
deafness. bad eyesight or who is lame. OF
otherwise crippled, or who is mentally re-
tarded. Organizations in Maryland that
are interested in helping Oh ldren who have
any of these handicaps are represented on
the Maryland Committee for Child Health
Day. of which DR.. J. H. M. Knox. Jr.. Chief
of the Bureau Of Child Hygiene Of the State
Department Of Health. is chairman.
Some Of the nationwide organizations
will have special exercises in connection
with the Child Health Day. Among them
10 the American Federation of Organiza-
lions for the Hard of Hearing which is
coupling up its annual observance of Hear
ing Week with Child Health Day and with
the rest Of the first week in May. The
Maryland Branch of the Association, from
its headquarters at East Center Street.
Baltimore. Is arranging program includ-
Ing radio talk on April 80 by DR.. M. L.
Breitstein, from Station VIDAL. which will
call attention to the possibility of prevent
ing much Of the deafness that is due to
neglect or lack Of care.
In order that the possibility Of prevent
ing large part Of the deafness that occurs
among children and in later life, may be
better appreciated. there is great need"
DR.. Knox said, for better understanding
on the part Of fathers and mothers. of the
close connection between such deafness and
neglected conditions of the ears, the nose
and the throat, following certain infectious
diseases, such as scarlet fever, measles
persistent colds, the so-cslled catarrhal in
fections. or as a result OF adenoids or dis
eased tonsils. A recent survey Of children
Of school age showed that there are over
three million school children in the United
States who are suffering from the handi-
cap Of defective hearing. ranging from
slight imperfections to complete deafness
Inquiry into the causes showed that much
over half Of this deafness could have been
prevented.
The health supervision Of children of
school age through the periodical medical
examinations made after they enter school
and Of the younger children In connection
with the regular child health conferences.
or by their family physicians before they
are enrolled in school. is of the utmost help
In locating children in the early STAGES of
deafness. But after these examinations
have been made and conditions recurring
correction have been pointed out, the re.
sponsibility rests with the parents or guar
dians Of the children. In many instances, |
prompt Treatment will not only save much |
pain and discomfort. and be Of benefit so
far as the general health Of the children is |
concerned. but il will protect them from
the very serious handicap Of either partial
or complete deafness"
Apple Blossom Festival In Pictures
The story Of the sixth annual apple bios
,om festival. to be held in Winchester.
Va, on Thursday and Friday, will be told
n pictures next Sunday In The Star. A
uli page in the rotogravure section will
Ieplct scenes OF the coronation Of Miss Mary
/. M..fhauya NJ tina IInivar.ifv nf Luaa. I