Evening star., 1941-01-13
COnvaleScent
Often Hard
ToManage
Meals Particularly
Difficult Problem
In Most Cases
BY BETSY CASWELL,
Woman's Editor.

One OF the hardest tasks in house
keeping Is coping with the con-
valescent's appetite. Usually both
children and groWn-ups emerge
from bout of illness with a dis
tinct aversion to food, boredom with
trays, and full-blown case of peev-
ishness that bogs down any sweet
ness-and-light department that tries
to function.
Combating this condition calls for
the patience of Job, the witness of a
fox and the imagination of a Jules
Verne. Also, a complete study of the
nature of the invalid is required, if
he or she is to be handled with
maximum success. For instance,
some individuals need reverse treat
ment; that is tell them the opposite
of what you wish them to do. If you
tell fruit juice opposer that it is
just as we'll he doesn't like fruit
Juices, because they are such a nuis-
ance to prepare. the reaction will, 8
times out of 10, be an immediate de-
mand for long, fruity drink. Some
patients must be coaXed, others bull
lied into submission. Still others
have to have everything put over
or them," if anything is to be ac-
complished. And so it goes. That is
why it is we'll to take time out to
study the convaleScent, before start
ing on any definite course of per
suasion."
But one angle of feeding the sick
a-bed seems to apply to all cases
and that is that the food must be
light, appetiZing, and daintily served,
with, perhaps, some little new note
every now and then to brighten up
the wearisome tray. A single flower
In a slender vase; the butter nodded
in unusual shapes: handkerchief
Jumps of sugar that may be pur-
chased for only a few cents; a new
thermos jug for the hot beverage, or
q special ice-container for the
chilled dessert: gay tray cover sets.
You may change the simple china
and glass of the tray service from
day to day by applying and remov-
ing inexpensive decalcomania de-
signs-this appeals especially to
children for the element of surprise
1t contains.
The shops are full of charming
things to add to the interest Of the
invalids meals. There are all sorts
of china and pottery individual
bowls, casseroles and platters in the
form of apples, tomatoes, crabs,
ducks. and so on. Glass dishes for
cooked fruits may be found in the
shapes of the fruit themselves. Ador-
able tiny salt and pepper shakers
come in any variety of form and
color, and new sets could be inter-
changed from time to time at very
little cost.
Invalids are usually appalled, by
seeing too much food all at once,
and large and elaborate tray outfits
may affect them the same way.
Keep servings small-and have the
cups and plates and other tray ac-
cessories small and dainty. A gos-
samer wisp of napkin may not be
as serviceable as a large, dinner
sized one, but it is infinitely more
pleasing to the convalescent because
of it's nghtness and delicacy. If you
have to buy a new tray, invest in one
of lucite with legs; these are so
clear and sparkling that they bring
brightness to the dullest eyes, and
'lift" to the sickest heart.
Other matters that will help the
recovery of the convalescent's health
and disposition include feather
weight but warm coverings-no
heavy blankets to tire weak legs
and softened muscles; adequate pill
lows, and plenty of fresh pillow
cases; a screen to ward off drafts
and soften the light in the room
during the afternoon nap, and a
good reading light. properly placed
For amusement, a radio, jig-saw
puzzles, books that are light in con-
tents and in actuality, and a very
few, especially selected callers, who
should not be allowed to stay long
at any time. Massage, if the doctor
advises and the household can af-
ford it, will help the muscles along
the road to recovery and do much
to relieve the tedium of staying in
bed.