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Incidentally, the same is true of little Tommy's hands.
I am afraid the popularity I may have with little Tommy on account
of the views I hold will be off-set by the unpopularity of my views by
the mothers and teachers.
Then again there is the question of wind. It is not every person
whose skin will stand up to going out into a howling wind and, what is
more, it is not every child's skin (nor everybody else's) that will stand up
to sitting in front of the fire for more than short periods.
What is still more important is the question of the soap you are going
to use. I know I am on very dangerous ground, but I would go so far
as to say that if your child does suffer from dry scurf on his face I should
certainly consult your doctor on the question of what soap to use and what
soap to avoid.
Question:—What, having regard to recent changes in the
build-up of the Medical Services, is the present position with
regard to the School Medical Service?
Answer:—It seems to me that this question can best be answered
by referring enquiries to the Ministry of Education Circular 179 dated
the 4th August, 1948. In so far, however, as this is not available for everybody,
I would wish to make two quotations and I would like to give my
personal assurance that I have not lifted them out of their context:—
"The treatment of minor ailments at a school clinic (or in the
school itself) is well established as the most expeditious and comprehensive
means of dealing with many troublesome conditions and of
preventing further impairment of health. The School Health
Service has the advantage of using the services of the school nurse,
working under the school doctor, for dealing with such conditions,
and continuity of treatment is ensured through the close association
of this work with the schools. No change in this system is contemplated
and its extension where necessary on existing lines should continue."
"The Minister is confident that Authorities will continue to
recognise to the full the special responsibility which has been placed
on them with regard to the health of their pupils, will maintain and
develop those services which it falls to them to provide, and do their
utmost to ensure that the effectiveness of the School Health Service
is in no way impaired. For many decades the building up of the
School Health Service has been a work of the highest national
importance and it is vital that there should be no relaxation."
Question:—In an effort to keep my child's head free from
infestation I wash it every week. Is this sufficient, or ought I to do
anything else?
Answer:—It is necessary to wash the hair every week, but washing
alone is not sufficient, because the nits, which are the eggs of the livestock,
are actually stuck on to the hairs, and Nature has done her work so
marvellously well that it is very difficult to get them away.
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