The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-01
VACATION TIME IS HooKwoRM TIME


 A reader asks whether there is any hook worm in Virginia. There is, in parts of Virginia where the soil is warm enough and where the people are backward and still have primitive habits.
 Unlike germ infections, hookworms do not multiply in the body Each hookworm in the victims intestine represents a separate 1nfesta- ton through the skin. But the hookworms de- post their eggs in the hosts intestinal tract, and these eggs, hn the sil, hatch into larvae. The larvae attach themselves to the skin of the feet of the person who makes the mistake of going barefoot in a region where the soil is so pol luted. They produce what is commonly called of the larvae penetrate the skin of the feet and are carried through the circulation from the point of penetration Casually between the toes) to lodge in the duodenum (upper part Of the intestine) just beyond the lower gateway of stomach. They cover the route in perhaps two weeks time, and in that interval no symptoms are produced (except the toe itch), though sometimes the victim develops broncho-pneu- monia.
 pend on the patients general condition at the time of infestation and upon the quality or ms regular diet and his general hygiene. when symptoms do develop they are those or anemla, physical weakness shiftlessness, mental lan- gour or dullness Children heavily infested fail to grow if they are not properly treated Tor cure.
 Physicians with large experience regard hookworm infestation as light if the victim har- bors from 10 to 100 words, moderate If there are 500 worms, heavy if there are thousand or more, and a victim having less than hfty worms may be an active "carrier yet Will prop- ably manifest symptoms of consequence. They estimate that it takes from 100 to 300 hookworms to check growth and cause mo- ticeable anemia in a child.
 In the United States more particularly In our southern states where climate, weather, soil conditions and the sanitary or unsanitary habits of the people of the community favor hokwrm infestation, the majority of cases oc- cur in children under fifteen, for after that age children are less likely to go barefoot, or per haps they earn enough to buy pair of shoes ,ha lab s prevalent our southern communities.
 Hookworm infestation may occur from drink ing water polluted by the excrement of one who has the disease or by eating solid food, such as fresh vegetables or fruits which have been so contaminated. The common mode Of infestation however, is through the skin Of the feet, and the best prevention is the wearing of impervious footwear, shoes and stockings in dry weather rubber boots when the soil is wet. Adult hookworms are half an inch long, the females having curve at one end like that of a small fish-hook. .
 The eggs of hookworms are microscopicai and can be found only by careful microscopical examination of a specimen of the eXcrement; the worms themselves are easily observed With the eye especially following a dose or two of a suitable vermifuge to dislodge them from their attachment on the wall of the duodenum.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Hand Lotion Many thanks for your instruction in belly breathing It has lowered my high blood pres. sure remarkably. have also been using your hand lotion, but have misplaced the clipping
 
 none keeps my hands as smooth and white as yours. (Mrs J. D. k.)
 Answer-Dssolve three teaspoonfuls of boric acid powder in one pint of water. Add one-half ounce (tablespoonfuD of glycerin and boil slowly stirring constantly and adding 80 grains of tragacanth shavings, till clear thin jelly is obtained. Add water to make up for evapora- tion. Add any scent you wish. Apply few drops to the hands two or three times daily aft CT washing and before hands are quite dry. Men find this lotion soothing to use on the face aft CT shaving.
 Wheat Germ In Diet I myself and four other persons I know, have seemed to benefit greatly from eating wheat germs daily. We all had one or another form of arthritis or 'rheumatism." was therefore interested in the statement in your column from some one who had made a similar obser- vation. The mayor of our town Is a doctor and he is now eating wheat germs and he says all his family are eating wheat germs. (R. c. E)
 Answer-At least it can do harm, and if a few thousand victims of arthritis will include wheat germ flour or other preparation contain ing the germ of the wheat in their daily diet we shall soon have some definite data. It's An Old Spanish Custom
 When our year old daughter was orouen. Spanish way the doctor ordered us to close all the windows, as . prccaution against her get ting pneumonia. friend or ours was .,s. recent,y developed in the wound, which the doctor said was caused by taking cold (H. Al Answer-It is an old Yankee alibi. Many an old timer really believes pneumonia follow ing a major operation Is somehow caused by exposure" to cold wet. Old fossils with such superstitions naturally have the highest mortal ity rate from such Compilations" That's the way the public likes 'cm.
 Migraine Relieved | have been taking your calcium lactate treatment for migraInc with very good results. get the xigxag flashes hut not the headaches. My brother has suffered from bad mferaine headaches preceded by the flashes. but since he began taking the cnIcium treatment hc has had only one mild attack. Thank you SO much. B. IC.D
 Answer--A great many sufferers have found relief from q six weeks course of calcium treat- ment twice year--i0 grains of calcium lac- tate after food three times daily.