The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1938-05-12

Will DG SuGSl opGdhCi at tii1 y &at1
meeting, at the home of Mrs. Hugh
Slausson, Mrs. Manieke assisting.
The program of the afternoon was
one long looked forward to, a joint
meeting of the Libby Women's club.
Senior and Junior, and the Farm
Womans club. This was held in
the Kootenai theatre. After short
business meeting of the Woman's
club, Mrs. Slausson led group sing
ing after which Mrs. LeDuc very
graciously introduced DR.. Edythe
Hershey, director of the division of
child welfare of the state board
of health.
DR.. Hershey has spent much time
in Texas and found driving over
western Montana roads extremely
different than driving in Texas
where she said, you may drive 30
or 40 miles over the prairie never
making a curve and if you should
skid you would still be on prairie
and not down a steep hill side
She said there was some con-
fusion when one spoke of the child
welfare board for there were really
two-one rightly named, which
looks after dependent or delinquent
children or those to be placed for
adoption; while the state board is
mainly interested in the health of
mother and child. therefore should
be renamed.
Because of the many demands
placed on state funds the state
board does not have as much state
support as it should have. However,
the social security administration
has set aside definite sums to carry
on work. Our first concern has
been with the child starting to
school This is all being changed
and we now realize that the time
to begin is before the child is born
so that every mother has an equa
chance to happily and successfully
bring a well child into the world
The child should then have careful
checkups so that he may be in tht
best of health when he starts tx
| school.
DR.. Hershey spoke at length OF
| the various contagious diseases
Montana has more smallpox case
for its population than any othe
state in the union. Diphtheria ant
smallpox could be wiped out if ev
cry child was immunized at al
early age. Measles and WhoopinI
cough can be successfully vaccinat
ed against also. DR.. Hershey said
Il am not particularly interested II
weight charts for SO much depend
on child's ancestors. If chilt
has good posture, solid muscles
bright alert eyes, glossy hair am
gains weight regularly is much i'm
portant. Proper rest, nutrition ant
posture are very important to brin
about these things.
The state board of health vii
assist counties in getting publ
health nursing service assisting i
the salary according to count
needs. Many pamphlets are to b
,, had for the asking. For instance, a
expectant mother may receiv
monthly letters if she will send he
name and address and the month sh
is to be confined. If you have
health problem write them for tt
. service is free. Make use of avail
!. table material to make Montana SAFE
! for mothers and babies.
Another important division of tt
' state board of health is that I
], health education of WHICH Mi
! Maude Brown is head. This servit
: is of special interest and help
: schools.
! Libby was very fortunate to hay
DR.. Hershey come here. Howev'
y she said Il especially welcomed Il
opportunity to become acquaints
with western Montana since | ha'
SO recently come to your state
e An invitation from the Troy w
a mans club to speak to their groi
! on Wednesday night was accepts
q by DR.. Hershey
n The Libby Woman's club and II
d Libby Farm Woman's club wish
y thank Mr.. Kienitz for giving Il
is use Of the theatre for the Joi
,. meeting on May 10.