Page:Food and cookery for the sick and convalescent.djvu/33

Rh A tall, thin person consumes more food than a short, stout person, for the reason that the larger surface exposed is the cause of a greater loss of heat.

Age has a marked effect upon the rations needed. A child from three to five years old requires four-tenths as much food as a man at moderate work; from six to nine years, one-half as much; while a boy of fifteen years requires as large a quantity as a man of sedentary habits.

The abuses of diet in youth are responsible for much suffering which develops later in life. The laws of retributive justice may be slow, but are, nevertheless, sure. Again, many of the diseases which occur after middle life are due to the habit of eating and drinking such foods as were indulged in during the early years of vigorous manhood.

In advancing years, when growth has ceased and activity has lessened, food is oxidized more slowly; therefore, a smaller quantity is required, and that in a form to be easily digested.

In arranging menus for individuals or families, personal idiosyncrasies must be considered. It is a homely saying, but true, that, "One man's meat is another man's poison."

The "Dietary Computer," by Mrs. Ellen H. Richards, is of great value to one whose desire it is to make out bills of fare according to food values. By its use money spent for foods could be used to better advantage, families would be better nourished, and disease would be less frequent.