FOOTNOTES:
[7] A “sponge bath” is given with a wash cloth; sponges are never to be used, because unsanitary.
[11] “The Body in Health” (O’Shea and Kellogg).
[12] For statistics, see [Appendix].
[13] For statistics on infant mortality, see [Appendix].
[14] From “Feeding and Care of Baby.”—F. Truby King, M. B.
CHAPTER VIII
THE PHYSICAL CARE OF YOUNG CHILDREN[15]
“The care and improvement of the child’s health is of paramount importance. A sound and efficient body is his initial stock in trade for winning the rewards of life.”
—Life Extension Institute.
“Instruction can wait, but the demands of health are imperative.”
—William H. Burnham.
“If only the intentions of nature were respected during the period of growth and development, the problem (of ill health) would by no means be so serious.”
—Lewis M. Terman.
“The sound body and vigorous health are the foundation without which the higher qualities of mind and heart develop precariously or feebly, or fail to realize their possibilities. The basis of education is and must be physical.”
—J. M. Tyler.
The Foundations of Efficiency. It is the business of the home to develop in children such vitality that they will enjoy exuberant health in childhood, acquire habits of good hygiene, lay the foundation for endurance, beauty, and longevity in manhood and womanhood, and bequeath vigor of constitution to their children. The slogan is “Prevention—Vitality—Efficiency.”
For efficiency the organs must be approximately perfect, and their functioning sure and strong.
The ultimate physical sources of power are:
- 1. Good nutrition and sound digestion
- 2. Sound, active lungs
- 3. Vigorous kidneys
- 4. Strong heart
- 5. Steady nervous system
That is, there must be ample intake of food and oxygen, thorough removal of waste, quick distribution of fuel, oxygen, and waste, economical working of the organism. The whole body must be organically sound, and all its functions must go on efficiently and vigorously.
Developing Vitality to Resist Disease. Disease may be due to:
a. Some defect of structure in an organ as the heart, spinal column, eye, tooth
b. Ineffective functioning of an organ or system, as in constipation, slow circulation, shallow breathing
c. Low resistance to disease germs or poisons, as in the contracting of influenza, diarrhea, pneumonia, whooping cough