cher's business to
see that pupils do not suffer in health as to see that lessons (often
quite useless) are learned (_see_ articles on Brow, Weary, and Eyes,
Failing Sight). We would again emphasise the truth that no child should
be undervalued for its delicate health. Delicate children have often
become men and women without whom the world would be vastly poorer.
Children in Fever.--Fevered children, whether in any actual fever, as
scarlet, typhoid, or any other, or merely heated from some minor
ailment, should be treated as under Fever. Have two small towels, wring
them tightly out of cold water, fold one gently round the head. _Press
it gently_ all round and over the head. It will be heated in one minute
in some cases, longer in others. Change it for the other then, and
proceed alternately till the head is cooled. Perhaps that may take
half-an-hour. The time will be less for a young infant, more for a boy
or girl in their teens. Common sense, and an examination of the pulse,
will guide as to the proper time. The head is the chief consideration
in this treatment, but attention to the state of the stomach and bowels
is also very important. Any indigestible substance must be removed, and
sips or small drinks of hot water will greatly help in this, as well as
proper medicine. Castor oil is a good, simple drug for ordinary cases.
If there is coldness in the feet in such fevered cases, a fomentation
may be applied over the legs, or even up to the haunches. This will
greatly reinforce the cooling of the head, and prevent any possible
chill. The water used for cooling should be about 50 deg. F., or at
least near that temperature, in the case of infants. Water which has
stood some time in an ordinary room will do excellently. It should
neither be icy nor warm. Typhoid fever itself has been cured with this
head cooling alone.
Children's Clothing.--An infant's clothing should be soft, warm, and
light in weight, covering all parts of the body with equal warmth.
Tight bands and long, heavy skirts should never be used, the dress and
petticoat being just long enough to keep the feet covered and warm. If
from the first a baby is "held out" always after being nursed, it
learns to urinate at that time, and the clumsy diapers can be dispensed
with in a few months. _No ordinary pins_ should be used, and as few
safety pins as possible. Tapes properly arranged will keep all secure.
Flannelette should never be used, being so very
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