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Nutrition.—143 cases were recorded as being under normal
condition. Under this heading those have been included
who show loss of flesh and whose apprarance seems to indicate
poor health, although no sign of any particular disease is
present.
It is not always easy to say whether this is due to want of
feeding, improper feeding, or disease. Concerning underfed
children, the provision of meals by the Care Committee has
done much to remedy this. Objection has been raised against
the "Provision of Meals" Act, as tending to undermine parental
responsibility, but it should be remembered that if this is withheld,
it is the child that suffers and ultimately the community,
as it is impossible for a child to be educated if not sufficiently
fed and clothed.
Teeth.—Out of 2,520 children examined, 942 were found to
have three or less decayed teeth, and 533 four or more. It is
surprising how few parents take heed about their childrens'
teeth, and it is difficult to get them to take the slighest interest
in this matter, yet decayed teeth are a source of trouble and
illness, causing Indigestion, Enlarged Glands, and general
Malnutrition.
It is a common idea that there is no need to attend to the
primary teeth.
Tonsils and Adenoids.—289 children were found to be
suffering from enlarged tonsils—115 much enlarged—and 44
from Adenoids. Adenoids are usually associated with enlarged
tonsils. No physical examination is made to ascertain if
Adenoids are present, as this is disagreeable to the child. They
are diagnosed from subjective symptoms, often causing a child
to be deaf and appear dull mentally.
Their removal often results in much improvement in the
child, both mentally and physically. The parents of the
children who have much enlarged tonsils and Adenoids are
advised to seek Medical adviqe.