Page:Helen Rich Baldwin - Nutrition and Health (1924).pdf/18

 A child may receive good care, live in a happy environment, eat nourishing foods, and still be malnourished. This is due is to the fact that the body is not in a condition to assimilate the food which would normally bring about an improvement in health.

Teachers and health workers should if possible see that each child for whom they are responsible is given a complete medical, physical and dental examination.

Malnutrition can often be traced to bad conditions in the home. In order to be normally healthy and happy a child must be surrounded by a good home environment. The home should be a place of happiness and encouragement, not a place of fear and repression. Happiness has an amazing value in promoting good health and should always be kept in mind when dealing with children.

Health workers who visit children’s homes and come into direct contact with the mothers and families have an unusual opportunity to observe home conditions and make an effort to improve them.

If poverty is a determining factor it will probably be necessary to enlist the aid of relief agencies. The trouble may be due to ignorance on the part of parents, which calls for instruction by the teacher or health worker in the rules of healthful living.

Teachers can probably point out at mothers’ meetings what an important factor good home environment is in overcoming malnutrition.

Such fundamentals as rest, fresh air, bathing and proper clothing are very important in helping to bring the malnourished child up to normal.

The following health rules should be taught to every child as essential for his health and happiness.