1. health and fitness
2. disease

Malnutrition and Blindness
Noise Can Drive You
Crazy
How to Avoid Ulcers
Children's
Train
RAVINDER KUMAR PAUL
Joy rides to children.
Marvellous are the joys of the miniature train!
Every child would like to own one, but unfortunately
this is not possible. Trains are always fascinating to
children. Whenever they travel, it gives them such a
thrill! They don't even sleep, for looking at the passing
countryside is more fun.
Now in Khel Gaon, Delhi, is a train meant for
children only. This "play village," which is the meaning of Khel Gaon, is being built up around the miniature Bal Bhavan Railway. Khel Gaon is the first such
recreation centre of its type in Asia and will become
a permanent playground for children. Its foundation
stone was laid by that great favourite of children,
"Chacha Nehru." In addition to the children's train,
the centre will have a museum, theatre, swimming
pool, library, playground, workshop and an arts-andcrafts corner.
The circular train goes round Khel Gaon and is
provided exclusively to give joy rides to children for
a minimum cost per ticket of only fifteen naye paise.
The small Lilliput engine is a joint gift to the children of India from a German firm and Tata's, while
the tiny coaches have been donated by the Northern
Railway.
(Continued on outside back cover.)
2
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
The Oriental Watchman and Herald of
51st YEAR
OF
PUBLICATION
A Magazine for Home and Happiness
EDITOR: T. R. TORKELSON
ASSOCIATE EDITORS: I. R. BAZLIEL, EX-MAJ. I. M. S. : ELIZABETH J. HISCOX, M.D. ;
P. S. NELSON, M. D.. D. N. B. : 0. B. HAUSER. M.D.
ASSISTANT EDITOR: GEORGE C. THOMAS
Contents
FEATURE ARTICLES
Page
HOW TO AVOID ULCERS
R. ANDERSON, M.D.
MALNUTRITION—MAJOR CAUSE OF BLINDNESS IN CHILDREN C. GOPALAN
HANDLE WITH CARE
B. RICHARDSON, M.D.
14
DIABETES—A DISEAi OF PROSPERITY
M.D.
16
WOODBURY
18
CLIFFORD
ARTIN
NOISE CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY
COLOUR AND HEALTH
R.
HOEHN,
B. F.
ALAN
P.
MAJOR
6
11
22
REGULAR FEATURES
OUR
THE EDITOR SAYS:
COVER
Trifling Matters Can Lead to
Far-reaching Results
5
MINUTE MEDITATIONS:
Playing With Fire
10
HOBBIES FOR HEALTH:
Gardening as a Hobby
24
HOMEMAKER'S HELPS:
Are We Honest with Them?
26
STUDENTS' GUIDE: Importance of
THE
Docroa
Physical Fitness
28
31
ANSWERS
33
SCIENCE ON THE MARCH
Photo: B. Bhansali
When Pandit Nehru visited Bangalore on January 13, '60,
a ten-year-old girl gave a loving welcome in a short and
sweet address. `Ile Prime Minister replied: "You live here
in this beautiful city, which has lovely flowers and trees.
I want you also to be like these beautiful flowers. We have
to make our country a fine garden with plenty of flowers.
Every child in India should have opportunities to play in
this garden and help maintain it."
tal Address: Post Office Box 35, Poona
Published monthly by the Oriental Watchman
Publishing House. Two years' subscription: India,
Rs. 17.50; Pakistan, Rs. 17-8-0; Burma, Ks.
17.50; Ceylon, Rs. 17.50. Foreign Postage, Rs.
1.15 extra.
Our representatives are authorized to receive
cash or cheques for subscriptions and to issue
official receipts for the same. Cheques should be
crossed. In India, Ceylon and East Pakistan
they should be issued in favour of the Oriental
Watchman Book Depot in care of the regional
office under which the representative is working.
For West Pakistan and Burma note the name
of the account as given below.
Regional offices: Foe Mysore—I-A Wheeler
Road, Bangalore 1; for Madras-21-A Williams
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH
1960
Road, Tiruchirapalli Cantt.; for Kerala—
Kaudiar P. 0., Trivandrum 3; for Andhra
—Bander Road, Box 308, Vijayawada; for
Bombay-16 Club Road, Bombay 8; for Uttar
Pradesh, East Punjab, Delhi and adjacent
states-27 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi; for
Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal-36 Park Street,
Calcutta 16; for Assam—Nongthymmai, Shillong; for East Pakistan-13U/C Dhanmandi
Road, Dacca; for Ceylon-15/2 Alfred House
Gardens, Colpetty Colombo 3; for West
Pakistan—OrientalWatchman Publishing House,
32 Mozang Road, Lahore; for Burma—Book
& Bible House of Seventh-day Adventists, 68
U Wisara Road, Rangoon.
Change of Address: Send requests along with
wrapper or reference number appearing thereon,
India
indicating both new and old addresses.
Duplicate copies cannot be supplied without
extra charge if intimation of change of address
has not been given in advance.
Non-Receipt and Loss of Copies: Inquire first
at your local post office; if you get no satisfaction, then please inform us. When making a
complaint about the late receipt of this
magazine, please send wrapper along with
complaint to enable the post office to fix
responsibility for the delay.
Expiry notice: When you see an X es the
wrapper of your magazine, it means your
subscription has expired.
*** Articles in this issue thus marked have been
reprinted by the courtesy of "Life and Health."
3
-77,1I:77111411C.,-7,151""'":'
•
This is your Heritage
In a picturesque mountainous drive
from Mahableshwar to Mahad, you
can visit the ancient fort of Pratabgarh. This fortress is 3543 feet
above sea level, and was built in
1656 by Shivaji, who at this fort
defeated the army of Sultan of
Bijapur. From the bastions of
Pratabgarh, you have a magnificent
view of the Western Ghats, an area
which depicts the rugged beauty of
India. And wherever you motor in
this vast country, your trip will be
more pleasant, and free from 'car
troubles', when you drive on Caltex
petroleum products.
X
SEE YOUR COUNTRY ON CALTEX PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
4
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH
1960
Trifling Matters Can Lead to Far-reaching Results
NE DAY in the late summer
of 1928 there occurred in
London an apparently trifling incident that has proved to
be one of the great events in human history. A little-known bacteriologist named Alexander Fleming, who had dedicated his life to
the task of finding a way to help
the body fight infection, had set
up a research laboratory in that
city and was busy carrying out experiments. "It just happened" that
his window was open that day and
"it just happened" that a vagrant
spore of a tiny mould drifted in
through that open window and
settled "by chance" on a saucerlike dish.
A discriminating student of
scientific developments of the past
several years points out that that
almost unnoticed "happenstance"
was in reality one of the great
landmarks of medical history, a
fact clear enough to all now,
though discerned by none at the
time. "The errant mould," he
states, "was penicillium notatum,
and the dish contained a culture of
staphylococcus bacilli, the organism responsible for boils and a
vast number of other infections."
This writer goes on to state that
Fleming began a series of tests with
the mould which confirmed that it
was somehow able to inhibit or
destroy a large number of man-killing microbes. How, he did not fully
understand, but concluded that it
produced an antibiotic substance
O
Tnr HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
as part of its natural biochemical
processes. To this substance, the
far-reaching results of which he
could not then know, he gave the
name "penicillin."
It took some fifteen years more
and at least two other peculiar
twists of circumstance before penicillin came into general use as one
of man's greatest allies in the conquest of disease. "It just happened" that in 1938, about ten
years after the miracle drug drifted
in through Fleming's window, that
another scientist doing research
work at Oxford on the body's defences against disease stumbled onto the published results of Fleming's experiments. There was something in the paper that set his own
imagination on fire and started
him to work growing penicillin
moulds. By 1941 he and his associates had managed to extract
from the mould broth only one
precious teaspoonful of the brown
penicillin powder. The substance
had proved beyond any doubt its
effectiveness against microbes, but
still the formidable problem of
quantity production remained unsolved. Then the second twist of
circumstance happened. One of the
scientists connected with the project "just happened" to notice a
mouldy cantaloupe in the market
one day and on a hunch bought it
and took it to his laboratory. Upon
testing the mould, he found it to
be a strain of penicillium that was
capable of producing penicillin
more abundantly than any other,
and went on from there to develop
large-scale production of penicillin,
so that by 1945 this antibiotic became available to everyone everywhere who might need it to combat infection.
And what have been the results
of these little beginnings that led
at last to the discovery and production of penicillin? Man's power
over his oldest and deadliest foe,
the disease microbe, has been vastly
increased. Deaths from infectious
diseases between the ages of one
and four have been practically
wiped out. Fatalities due to eight
major infectious diseases have been
reduced by more than 60 per cent.
All this and more—from an accident!
(Continued on p. 29.)
Picture shows the Nepal Prime Minister, Shri B. P.
Koirala visiting the Penicillin Factory at Pimpri, Poona,
a factory which is the only one of its kind in India.
Opened in August 1955, this firm has hitherto supplied
the country with 175 million mega units of penicillin
(equivalent to 45 million vials).
Clifford R. Anderson, M.D.
O F ALL THE organs in the human body none
is more of a problem than the stomach. Day
and night it constantly reminds us of its presence ! It never wants to be neglected or to go short
in any way. Sometimes it is filled to overflowing with
things that are harmful not only to the stomach itself,
but also to the rest of the body.
With far too many of us our stomachs are our
downfall. Without realizing what harm we are doing,
we eat and drink the very things that may bring on
chronic diseases. Sometimes these harmful things may
spoil our appetite for the foods that we really need.
There are great differences in the ability of people to digest various kinds of foods. Some can digest
almost anything. Others have to be very careful in
what they eat. There is nothing unusual in this. No
two people are exactly alike. We all have our own
individual differences. That is why some of us prefer one thing, and some another. And rightly so. What
a dismal world it would be if we all wanted exactly the
same things ! It is our individual likes and dislikes that
help to make life so interesting and instructive.
Eating is a habit in which almost all of us are
vitally interested. People who have poor appetites are
either sick or depressed. All healthy people get hungry.
6
Some folks eat twice a day, others three times a day,
and still others more often. We cannot legislate for
one another, because our bodies are not all alike.
Some people seem to do better on four or even five
small meals a day, while the majority are quite happy with three.
Some of those who need more than three meals
a day may be suffering from low blood sugar. Nature
may demand that they eat more frequently. This will
keep the sugar in their blood stream at a more satisfactory level. There is probably little or no harm in
this, provided the meals are small and easy to digest.
The real problem arises when we take one of those
complicated meals, with many mixtures of rich, hardto-digest foods. These are the meals that cause so
much trouble in the stomach.
What is digestion? Why is it so necessary? Every
food that enters the stomach must first be broken down
into simple substances before it can be absorbed. All
of our foods have to pass through this process before
they can be absorbed into the body. We call this
"digestion." Each food is subjected to an amazing
array of chemical reactions. These break the food
down into much simpler forms. This is necessary in
order that the food substances may be absorbed.
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
How to Avoid Ulcers
Almost all digestion and absorption take place
within the small intestine. It is truly marvellous how
much goes on in this long, muscular tube that leads
from the stomach to the large bowel. Without the delicate mucous membrane that lines the inside of the
small intestine, we could never survive. The ability
to absorb nutriment is indispensable to life, and the
small bowel is where this takes place. The stomach
and the colon are only capable of absorbing water
and salts. It takes the small bowel to absorb the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and to carry on the
complex chemical process known as digestion.
WHY DO WE HAVE A STOMACH?
Then, why do we have a
stomach? Because we need some
kind of receptacle or storage place
where food can be temporarily
stored until it is ready for digestion. The stomach has been designed for this purpose. Its walls
are strong and muscular, and it
can churn into a variety of shapes
and sizes according to the demands made upon it. There are
many small glands in the walls
of the stomach that produce the
powerful digestive juices. These
include hydrochloric acid and certain digestive enzymes or ferments such as pepsin and rennin. These
enzymes are very important in the earlier stages of
digestion.
Another important function of the stomach is to
allow only small quantities of food to pass into the
small bowel at any one time. This keeps the process
of digestion running smoothly for several hours after
a meal. This is much better than dumping everything
into the small bowel at once, and expecting that overloaded organ to try to sort it out and digest it. At the
lower end of the stomach there is a strong muscular
door called "the pylorus." This opens and closes whenever necessary for the normal emptying of the
stomach.
Sometimes ulcers form near this muscular door,
THE HERALD OP HEALTH, MARCH
1960
With far too many of us our stomachs are our downfall. Without realizing what harm we are doing, we eat and
drink the very things that may bring on chronic diseases.
The figure above shows a stomach that is well ruined by
condiments, hot foods and alcoholic beverages.
Avoid family quarrels, either with the baby, or with
the wife or husband over a crying baby. Let the mealtimes
be the happiest moments of the day.
and this interferes with its normal movements. Such
an ulcer may be on the stomach side or on the
intestinal side. But in any case it is always a hindrance
to digestion, as well as dangerous to the person who
has it.
AVOIDING FAMILY QUARRELS
Ulcers usually come from poor living habits.
Most of them develop in people who are tense and
nervous. Such people may appear calm on the outside,
but underneath there may be very strong feelings of
frustration or anxiety. Even young children may
7
develop painful ulcers, especially if they are tense and
unhappy while eating. It is most important that mealtimes be the happiest moments of the day, for a great
deal of poor nutrition stems from unhappiness at the
table. Certainly mealtime is a bad time to discuss unpleasant topics, either with children or with anyone
else.
The normal stomach usually takes several hours
to empty. This is true whether the meal is large or
small. Of course, the smaller and simpler the meal,
the more quickly the stomach is emptied. It is those
large meals, with many rich mixtures of food, that
cause so much trouble. Then, when we take large
quantities of liquids with the meal„ digestion is further
delayed. When such liquids are ice cold, the stomach
may be still further hindered in its work. It cannot
proceed with digestion until these ice-cold liquids are
warmed up to the normal temperature of the body. It
may take twenty minutes or half an hour before the
normal digestive processes can even get started.
If we eat our meals in an atmosphere of mental
strain, such as a family quarrel or a bitter argument,
the process of digestion may stop completely.
This may mean that for many hours the stomach
may be loaded with food that it cannot digest. It is at
times like this that many of us run to the medicine
cabinet for some drug, such as bicarbonate of soda, in
the hope that this will help. Occasionally it does 'help
for a while, but it never does any permanent good.
The frequent use of such drugs may be definitely
harmful to the stomach and, indeed, to the whole
body. Such powerful alkalies are likely to injure the
delicate lining of the stomach. And if taken in large
quantities, they may throw the whole chemical arrangement of the body out of balance.
A man came to a hospital not long ago, complaining of severe stomach pains. He said that the only
thing that ever seemed to relieve him was soda. Immediately after eating a small, simple meal he would
get a severe burning in his stomach. He was afraid to
take anything but milk and water. The X-rays showed
that he had a large, deep ulcer near the lower end of
his stomach. Because the ulcer was so large, he was
advised to have part of his stomach removed by
surgery. He went to a first-class hospital for his operation and made a fairly smooth recovery. From thenceforth he was advised to change his habits of living. He
gave up the use of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. He
took his meals at regular times and avoided all kinds
of family and business worries, especially while eating.
He was soon feeling much better.
Digestion is delayed when large quantities of fluids are
taken with the meal. When liquids are ice-cold the stomach
is still further hindered in its work. It may take twenty
minutes or half an hour for the stomach to warm up the
liquid to normal body temperature before proceeding with
its digestive work.
Throw out that
frying pan! Fatty
foods tend to
aggravate the
pain and
discomfort.
Primitive peoples do not seem to suffer from ulcers.
In most cases ulcers are brought on by the stress and
strain of modern living. Most times they are painful
and cause considerable distress. But not all ulcers are
8
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
painful. Sometimes a person may have a deep ulcer
and know nothing about it. A severe haemorrhage may
be the first indication that he has a disease of the
stomach. Others may complain of occasional gas or
bloating. In any condition like this it is always wise to
have the stomach X-rayed, in case something more
serious may be going on inside.
WHEN IS IT CANCER?
There is always the possibility of a cancer
developing in the stomach. Doctors are not sure what
causes cancer in the stomach, but it is thought that
constant irritation of the lining of the stomach may
play a part. Hence it is wise to avoid indigestion and
other forms of irritation as much as possible. The
most frequent ulcers usually occur just inside the
duodenum, which is the first part of the small bowel.
Fortunately, most duodenal ulcers never turn into cancer. But some small stomach ulcers may be cancer
from the beginning. For this reason a chronic ulcer
of the stomach is usually considered to be more dangerous than an ulcer of the duodenum, although both
can cause plenty of trouble. Most modern doctors
are now advising that any portion of the stomach
that is badly ulcerated be removed by surgery, especially if the ulcer does not heal within a few weeks.
Any ulcer that does not heal readily may be due to
cancer. The sooner such ulcer is removed, the better
for the patient and for all concerned. It is never wise
to neglect the stomach, for there is much that can
go wrong, especially if the irritation continues for a
long time.
Ulcers are always more dangerous after a person
reaches fifty years of age. In a younger person the
ulcer may penetrate a blood vessel and cause severe
haemorrhage; but because the vessel walls are more
elastic, the haemorrhage is more likely to stop within
a short time. In an older person the vessel walls may
be hard and stiff, and the bleeding may continue
until it is too late to save the patient. There is no time
to lose when a massive haemorrhage occurs, especially
in a person who is older. The sooner an operation is
performed, the better his chances of survival.
Anyone who suffers from chronic gastritis should
always be under the care of a well-qualified doctor.
In severe cases it may be wise to seek the advice of a
physician who specializes in treating diseases of the
stomach. Such specialists usually advise their patients
to eat at regular times and to take only small amounts
of bland, easily digested foods. Often it may be necessary for the patient to eat a small meal every two or
three hours. During the acute stages he may have to
take a mixture of milk and cream every hour for
several days. Later he may add small quantities of
some well-cooked cereal, and then a soft-boiled egg.
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
If no further pain develops, he may add a little
creamed soup and small quantities of pureed vegetables to his diet. Next he may add a few simple
desserts, and after a few weeks he may be able to
eat a more or less normal diet.
But it is important for him to avoid all kinds of
roughage in his diet, especially during the healing of
the ulcer. For the remainder of his life he will have
to be very careful about his diet. Such a person would
be wise to stop smoking, for tobacco has a bad effect
upon the digestive system. For the same reason he
should avoid coffee, spices, alcohol, and carbonated
drinks. Condiments and hot foods are never good for
an ulcerated stomach.
When the pain comes on,. it is best to take a
glass of milk. This will help to neutralize the acidity
of the stomach. Milk will also soothe the irritated
membranes. By all means avoid fatty foods and foods
that have been cooked or fried in fat. Frying breaks
the fat down into irritating by-products that aggravate the pain and discomfort. So if you have stomach
trouble you would be wise to throw that frying pan
away.
Finally, avoid all nervous strain and anxiety,
both at home and at work. Physical and mental rest
are most important. This includes freedom from worry
and all unpleasant situations. Try to sleep at least ten
hours each night, and take a short rest period during
the day if possible. Full relaxation of mind and body
are essential. Make every meal a time of joy and
happiness, when only the best and most enjoyable
things are discussed and everything unpleasant is forgotten. Remember that even young children may suffer from gastric distress. They, too, may need some
good treatment for a bad stomach. Therefore plan to
make their lives truly happy, and nature will reward
your whole family with lasting health and happiness
all your days.
"When I work, I work real hard;
When I sit, I sit real loose-like;
When I worry, I go smack off to sleep."
9
so
MINUT MEDITATIONS
all
16
0
111;
ili
11;
wV
w
II;
so
PLAYING
WITH FIRE
D. A. Delafield
b
ill
"Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his water, the passions make good servants but poor
V clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot masters.
coals, and his feet not be burned?' --Solomon's
It is not fair or reasonable to violate the basic
Proverbs.
principles of chastity simply because others may
•
Think about these two questions for a mo- be doing it. Do not the will, the reason, and good
✓ ment. Can you take a burning stick of wood and sense have priority over strong feelings? Why
V
press it close to your body without burning your ruin a life or a home and pull the shadow of
•
clothing, or can you walk barefoot upon hot night over future years for the pleasure of eating
ill
coals without blistering your feet? I think not. a few stolen sweets?
ii
But how many there are today who are not
But some people, especially young people, say,
V playing a fair game in life's most intimate rela- "It is perfectly all right for us to do as we
tions, while breaking hearts and homes and leav- please." Remember you are not married yet, and
ing scars upon their own souls.
it is not fair nor safe to break the rules of life
The word sex is often spelled with red letters, just because you feel you can't wait. True love
✓ primarily because purity is on the wane and is a principle that does not bow to random feelV people's thoughts and actions often run counter ing. It controls all base motives and brings them
• to physical and social laws. Charm and glamour, under the control of reason. If you have the
✓ with many people, have come to mean more than genuine article of love, you will act on these
•ill character and a good name. Indulgence in illicit realistic issues with a clear mind and a pure
sexual acts is all too common. But does this have heart.
✓ to be? Not if people are informed and underBe noble and fair now and live in hope. Do
✓ stand the relationship of sex to the over-all pic- not
ii
get caught in the murky tide of impurity
ture of life.
that is swamping all the shores of humanity's
so
People
should
not
be
surprised
to
feel
within
social
sea. Be different. Be pure. Give yourself
il; themselves certain desires. There is a proper the thrill
of victory in the moral struggle. Wait
sphere for the function of natural physical and be supremely happy later. If you will emphaii powers, but these are to operate under the laws size other features of your friendship, you will
✓ that govern society. What may be legitimate and have enough to keep you happy and to keep
w right in the marriage relationship may be illegit- you busy. But do not play with fire. You might
imate and wrong outside of it. Like fire and get burned.
V
I
•
4
N
ili
10
Tns HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
so
11 0: II: 0: OM a 0: II: II: 11:11:0: IP: IKIEIKWO: 10: 11: 0: 0: • : II: 0: II: fb: 0: 41: 41: 1/1: 0: 0: OM 0: a 0:4): ii
MALNUTRITION
Major Cause
of Blindness
in Children
Dr. C. Gopalan
Deputy Director, Nutrition Research Laboratories, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad
0
F THE MANY factors which endanger the
health of poor children in India, malnutrition
is probably the most important. Apart from
diseases which are directly attributable to malnutrition, it is now widely recognized that malnutrition may
aggravate the course of many infectious diseases arising from bad environmental conditions.
According to the latest census figures, the infant
mortality rate (deaths of infants per 1000 live births)
in India is 5 to 6 times the rate in some of the advanced countries of the West. Out of every 1000
infants born in our country, nearly 115 to 120 infants
die before they reach the end of their first year. Nearly
25 per cent of these infant deaths take place within
the first week after birth and 40 per cent of the infant
deaths occur within the first month.
This high neonatal mortality (deaths of infants
up to 28 days after birth) among the poor sections
of the population is a reflection of the high incidence
of prematurity in these groups and the low vitality of
the new-born. An important factor contributing to
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
this situation is maternal malnutrition; for extensive
epidemiological and experimental investigations have
indicated that the nutritional status of the mother at
the time of her pregnancy determines to a great extent the viability of her offspring.
BEST PERIOD
The period between the first and sixth months
after birth constitutes probably the best period in the
life of the child in a poor family from the nutritional
point of view, because during this period the infant gets
practically all the nutrients it needs from the mother's
milk. The most gratifying feature of the nutritional
condition of the poor communities, as revealed by
some of our recent studies, is that in spite of their
low nutritional status, mothers are able to put forth
an adequate quantity of milk and of a fair quality
right through the entire period of lactation. It was
found in the course of these studies that there was
almost an inverse correlation between the status of a
11
mother in the socio-economic structure and her ability
to breast-feed her infant. It appears that emotional
and psychological factors are more important determinants of lactation than the nutritional factors.
However adequate breast milk may be, it fails
to meet the full nutritional demands of the infant after
the sixth month. After this period, supplementation of
foods rich in protein becomes necessary. Since these
are not always within the economic reach of the poor,
nutritional deficiency diseases of various kinds are frequently encountered in poor children, especially between the ages of 1 and 5 years, which is the most
vulnerable period in a child's life from the nutritional
point of view. The incidence of malnutrition is particularly heavy during this period of childhood.
MALNUTRITION AND BLINDNESS
The tragedy of malnutrition in children is not
so much that it is responsible for high mortality, but
that it cripples and permanently damages the growing
generation. Of the many crippling effects, probably
the most devastating is on vision. It has been found
that the number of blind people in India runs to
several thousands. A great majority of these cases are
known to be preventable. It is believed that the most
common cause of preventable blindness is malnutrition due to deficiency of vitamin A in the diet.
Vitamin A deficiency is essentially a problem of
children because the requirement of the vitamin is
greatest in the period of growth. In mild forms of
vitamin A deficiency, the conjunctiva may show a
muddy discoloration and instead of being moist and
glistening may appear dry and lustreless.
SYMPTOMS OF BLINDNESS
At this stage, an observant mother may notice
that the child finds some difficulty in seeing objects
properly with the approach of sunset. A characteristic
feature is that at dusk the child gropes about for food
on its plate. This condition is described as "night
blindness." If the condition is spotted at this stage,
it can be easily treated. Unfortunately, in the majority
of cases, mothers do not realize the seriousness of the
disease and do not seek advice at the early stage. With
the advance of the disease, the cornea becomes affected
and loses its transparency. Still later, the cornea becomes eroded, softens and bulges out. In the final
stages, the cornea is ruptured and destroyed and the
lens inside may also be lost.
Once the cornea is affected even the most energetic treatment is of no avail, and permanent blindness cannot be prevented. The disease affects both eyes
simultaneously. In some fortunate children in whom
one eye may be less seriously affected than the other,
12
intensive treatment may result in partial retention of
vision in one eye.
The problem of blindness resulting from vitamin
A deficiency in children is not an isolated clinical one
but an important public health problem of considerable magnitude in many parts of the country, especially
in South India and Bengal. The number of cases of
threatened or actual blindness resulting from vitamin
A deficiency in some hospitals in these parts runs to
several hundreds.
The immense social and economic repercussions
of such a high incidence of blindness affecting children between 1 and 5 years of age are obvious. Here is
a tragedy which can be very easily prevented. Knowledge as to how the disease is caused and how it can
be effectively prevented is already available. All that
is necessary is the machinery to put this knowledge to
practical use.
SOURCES OF VITAMIN A
Vitamin A can be obtained in the 'ready made'
state from such foods as butter, eggs, liver etc. These
sources are, however, beyond the reach of the poor.
Fortunately, there are alternative cheap food sources
of vitamin A. Many green vegetables and some fruits
contain the substance known as carotene, which can
be converted into vitamin A in the body.
Children between one and three years of age
would require about 2,000 I.U. of vitamin A daily.
Though the carotene of different samples of green
vegetables may vary widely, on an average about 1 to
2 oz. of green vegetables can usually provide this daily
requirement of vitamin A.
The average cost of the vegetables needed to provide the requisite quantity of vitamin A to a child
would work out to a very few naye paise daily in a
city and probably would be even less in the countryside. Unlike some other vitamins, vitamin A and
carotene are not very easily destroyed by cooking.
There should, therefore, be no objection to serving
green vegetables properly cooked to a child.
Unlike many other nutrients, vitamin A can be
stored in the body in large amounts. This is a great
advantage because it is possible to build up adequate
storage of vitamin A in the liver to tide over periods
when the vitamin is deficient in the diet. Thus, if
green vegetables and fruits are consumed in proper
quantities in the seasons when these are available, it
should be possible to prevent the manifestations of
vitamin A deficiency in the lean seasons.
The rational approach to the problem of vitamin
A deficiency in children would be to ensure adequate
intake of vitamin A and carotene by the mother when
she is pregnant. A pregnant woman needs around
4,000 I.U. of vitamin A daily to ensure adequate storage of vitamin A in the infant's liver at the time of
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
birth. Women from poor classes will be able to get
practically all this vitamin A requirement from 3 to
4 oz. of a mixture of green vegetables.
When the mother does not get an adequate supply of carotene, the infants are born with an insufficient reserve of vitamin A, and after a few months on
diets deficient in the vitamin, develop severe signs of
vitamin A deficiency resulting in blindness.
After the sixth month the infant's diet should include
green vegetables properly cooked. In the child welfare and health centres, mothers must be taught to
look for mild signs of vitamin A deficiency in children,
like muddy discoloration of the conjunctiva and night
blindness, and to bring the children immediately for
treatment on the slightest suspicion of these signs.
They should be specifically warned that any neglect
would result in the danger of permanent blindness.
HEALTH EDUCATION
The routine distribution of tablets containing
vitamin A to young children visiting the health
The problem has to be tackled on the following centres, may also be useful. What is more important
and likely to yield permanent results is the inculcalines:
Pregnant women who cannot afford eggs or milk tion of the need for the inclusion of green vegetables
should be encouraged and educated to include at least and fruits in the dietaries of infants, children and
about 3 oz. of green vegetables daily in their diet. pregnant mothers.
SOURCES OF CAROTENE IN INDIAN DIET
Name of foodstuff
Botanical name
Name of foodstuff
Botanical name
GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES
Good
Very good
Agathi
Amaranth
Guter dark-green
Drumstick
Spinach (Palak)
Tops of:
(a) beet-root (chukandar)
(b) Radish (Mooli)
(c) Turnip (Shalgum)
Chakvat (Bathuva Leaves)
Colocasia (black and
green varieties)
Mayalu Ragira
Shapu
Sesbania Grandifloria
Amaranthus tri-color
and gangeticus
Grassica obracia capitata
Moringa obif era
Spinacia oleracca
Cabbage (Band-gobi)
Fenugreek (Methi)
Brassica Obracea capitata
Trigonella fcenum graccum
Gram leaves
Ipomea (Kalmi Sag)
Khesari leaves
Cicer ariatinum
Ipomea raptans
Lathyrus sativus
Beta vulgaris
Raphanus Sativus
Brassica rapa
Chenopodium album
Colocasia antiquorum
Parsley
Amkat chuka leaves
Ghol leaves
Kardai leaves
Moras leaves
Petrosetinum crispum
Rumex vesicarius
Portulaca Obracia
Casthamus tinctorius
Sunda nudiflora
Besella rubra Amaranthus
panciculatus Pencedanum
graveobus
Green leafy tops of
sweet potatoes
Ipomea batatas
NON LEAFY VEGETABLES
Carrot
String beans
Daucas carota
Vigna catiang
Ghosala
Giant capsicum
Lugga cylindrica
Capsicum annum
RIPE FRUITS
Mango
Papaya
Banana (Yellow pulp)
Passion fruit juice
Persimmon
Mangigera indica
Carica Papaya
Musa paradisiaca
Passiflora edutis
Diospyros Kaki
Plums (some varieties)
(Alucha, Alubhukhara)
Chikhoo
Apricots (fresh)
Sapotas (some varieties)
Primus salicina
Cucumis sativus
Prumus armeniacal
Achras sapota
Reprinted by special arrangement, The Licentiate, Dee. 1959.
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
13
The Elementary Matter of Keeping Germs Away From Food Is So Little Understood,
Says Dr. B. Richardson, M.D.
HANDLE WITH CARE
OU MUST have heard the proverb: "One
man's meat is another man's poison," but in
view of what I am going to say now, you will
see how one man's meat can be every man's poison!
Foods can carry all kinds of germs that cause
food poisoning if they are not handled with care.
This is the time of the year when we hear most concerning outbreaks of food poisoning, and it is usually
due to germs taken with the food that is eaten.
If germs are given the food they fancy, and then
warmth, moisture, and time, they prosper and multiply at an alarming rate. Think of it: one germ can
turn into 16 million germs in twelve hours. The kinds
of food which germs like most, are meat, and meat
products such as brawn, sausage, mince, etc.
The first and most simple thing to do to avoid
contaminating food with germs, is to get into the regular habit of hand washing before eating. If all were
trained in this simple custom from childhood, much
less would be heard of food poisoning.
As a rule, only a few germs are transferred to
the food by contaminated hands, but these few soon
become many under suitable conditions. But in the
case of the serious intestinal infections such as the
typhoids, a few germs only are necessary.
Food poisoning, with the common symptoms of
sickness and diarrhcea, so often happens like this. Food
is, perhaps, purchased on a Friday ready for the
week-end. Earlier in the week a cut finger becomes
septic and discharges. The food is placed in the kitchen
cupboard and is soiled, unwittingly, by the septic finger. Perhaps all the food is not consumed until Monday, and a few days later some members of the family
become ill with diarrhcea and vomiting.
Y
14
The germs from your finger have had the necessary time, sufficient warmth, and moisture to multiply
over the week-end and produce the poisons that
caused the illness. Food that is likely to be eaten without further cooking should not be kept any length of
time in a warm kitchen. The food larder should be a
cool room if no refrigerator is available. One needs
to be particularly vigilant during the warm summer
months.
Milk can be a source of danger unless carefully
handled. Milk should be kept covered and in a cool
place. Germs are nearly as fond of this food as the
carefully prepared meat broth which is the usual
medium for growing germs in the medical laboratory.
Never leave milk exposed on the table after a meal,
or add fresh milk to a half empty jug, where germs
may already be breeding. In fact, cover all uncooked
food and so protect it from the household pest, the
germ-ridden fly.
Many years ago investigation proved that in
young children, cases of summer diarrhcea went up
as the flies increased during the hot weather. When
the fly population is kept down not nearly so
many cases of this illness develop.
In avoiding this type of illness, adequate cooking
is important; for besides making the food palatable
and digestible, it can also make even contaminated
foods safe to eat, because heat kills germs. When
milk is pasteurized or heated to 160° Fahrenheit for
half a minute, it is made safe for children because
dangerous germs such as the tubercle bacillus are
destroyed.
In summer, whenever possible, "left over" foods
which may have been exposed to the danger of conTHE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
tamination, should be cooked again. On the other
hand, if you prepare a vegetable salad or other cold
dish, do not prepare it too long before it is going to
be eaten. Given time, warmth, and moisture, germs
soon get busy and spoil good food. Most food contains sufficient moisture needed for bacterial growth,
the dried foods being the exception. Consequently,
germs will not multiply so readily in dried food when
it is kept for any length of time. Powdered egg and
milk food are considered safe when kept for long
periods, but even these have been known to become
contaminated, and give rise to outbreaks of food
poisoning.
Just a few words about the types of germs that
cause food poisoning. Generally speaking one can
swallow certain germs without any ill effect. One large
family of germs, however, called the salmonella
group, are mainly responsible for the majority of outbreaks of food poisoning in any country. To a lesser
extent other germs which are responsible for boils and
septic hands also have an important part in causing
food poisoning. It is surprising that the elementary
principle of keeping germs away from food is so little
understood, especially when it is largely a matter of
common sense.
In the past it was imagined by some that food
poisoning was caused through some mysterious substances, called "ptomaines." They are, of course, the
breakdown products of decomposing flesh. It is now
known that ptomaines have nothing to do with food
poisoning, and there is really no such thing as ptomaine poisoning as a bacterial infection. Toxic substances are produced by decomposing meat and when
it is in such a condition, it is so obviously "decomposed" that no one would want to eat it.
It is an established fact, that most food poisoning is caused by an infection with any one of a large
group of germs that I have already mentioned,
namely, salmonella group. Any one of these germs
gives rise to a type of enteritis soon after ingestion of
noxious food. Some germs of this family are harmless
to man, but cause disease in animals. Some cause disease in both animal and man, and it is usually this
variety that is responsible for outbreaks in human
communities.
It is easy to see how foods that are frequently
handled, like meat pies, minced meat foods, and even
milk, can become contaminated. Salmonella infections
are very common in pigs, sheep, cattle, rabbits, rats,
and mice. If a cow is infected, the organism may get
into the milk and then the consumer contracts the
disease. Food can become infected by the excreta of
vermin, and therefore it is so important to eliminate
any trace of rats or mice from the food kitchen. Ducks
are also susceptible to salmonella infection, and the
organism even gets into the ducks' eggs and occasionTHE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
ally humans become infected. Last but not least, shellfish in much the same way can be a source of infection.
Food can become polluted in other ways besides
germs. For example, harmful chemicals get into the
food by mistake. I have heard of cockroach killer
being used as baking powder, and fungi being eaten
by mistake for mushrooms, with very grave results. On
the other hand, the ill effects of metal kitchen utensils
is really hardly worth considering. Poisoning from tin,
aluminium, or copper, if it happens at all, is very rare.
As regards chemical poisons, it is a good plan never
to store insecticides in the kitchen or the larder.
The government lays down certain minimum
standards of food purity, but there is always room for
improvement by voluntary effort. There are certain
codes of practice that have been drawn up by the
authorities for the food suppliers to follow, and we,
in the same way, should do our part to avoid food
contamination by taking an intelligent interest also.
If we must handle food let us handle it with care.
Remember, germs like food and for this reason
it is important to get rid of any food remains on
crockery or kitchen utensils. Soap and water is an
excellent antiseptic and should be freely used to dissolve away any stale food remains.
In conclusion I would give you a few golden
rules that you should try to follow:
1. Keep any cooked food in a cool larder or
refrigerator.
2. Try to avoid the preparation of cold meals
too long before they are eaten.
3. Keep your kitchen free from vermin and flies.
4. See that food and milk utensils are thoroughly
cleansed before use.
5. Make sure your hand washing is a regular
habit before eating. In this way you will ensure that
you handle your food carefully and so avoid unnecessary food poisoning.
By MARTIN R. HozHN, M.D.
DiabetesA DISEASE OF PROSPERITY
IABETES is a rather common disease in our
Heredity is important, for twenty-five per cent
modern civilization. It affects all races, and is of diabetics give a history of diabetes in the family.
more prevalent among prosperous peoples, Infections in other parts of the body are thought by
men and women being about equally affected. It is some to be a cause, but usually such infections arc
most common in the fifth and sixth decades of life. responsible for a flare-up of a mild diabetes already
Damage, by causes unknown, of the insulin-producing existing. In the same way emotional strain or shock
cells of the pancreas is responsible for most cases of may cause a mild condition of diabetes to become
diabetes.
recognized. Disorders of the pituitary gland, the
This simple concept of diabetes is by no means a thyroid gland, or the suprarenal glands may play an
complete picture of the origin of this complex disease, important part in some cases. These various factors
but it serves as a workable framework on which to might cause a case of diabetes to gradually become
build our subject. The body tissues are unable to more severe until it is recognized, or they might cause
burn up the starches and sugars (carbohydrates) as an abrupt flare-up of symptoms.
they should, owing to a shortage of insulin. This
We must realize that diabetes is not merely a disshortage results in an increase of sugar in the blood ease of the pancreas but rather a disease of the entire
and presence of sugar in the urine, followed by symp- body, which means that it involves the liver, kidneys,
toms and signs of the disease as it progresses.
heart, eyes, blood vessels, nerves and skin. There is
Although the exact cause has not yet been found, seldom difficulty in establishing a diagnosis of diabetes,
many contributory factors are known. Excessive con- once it is suspected. As the diabetes progresses, and
sumption of sugar and fats has been indicted. "Junior, the level of sugar in the blood rises, a certain level
if you eat too much sugar and sweets you'll get dia- called the "renal threshold" is reached. When this is
betes," are words often heard, and are not completely exceeded, then sugar begins to appear in the urine.
without foundation, though for sake of emphasis arc At this stage the common symptoms of diabetes apno doubt exaggerated.
pear.
D
16
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
The sugar being excreted by the kidneys causes a
large output of urine. In fact, it is from this symptom
that the name "diabetes mellitus" is obtained, for we
are told that it is derived from the Greek words
meaning "sweet fountain." This, in turn, produces
thirst, so that large quantities of water are taken. The
loss of sugar, and hence calories, results in an increase in appetite. In spite of the greater intake of
food, however, in more severe cases, so much nourishment is lost in the urine that loss of weight and
strength develops. The loss of fluid and the high blood
sugar cause a dryness of the skin, and along with the
higher sugar content of the skin, may cause severe
itching. These symptoms are the warning signs of diabetes and are known well enough that from time to
time patients present themselves, asking for a "sugar
test" because they are eating and drinking so much,
and yet are losing weight and strength.
As the disease progresses, the body begins to
burn its own reserves of protein and fat, some of
which the body is able to convert into carbohydrate. Plenty of sugar: a sign of prosperity! Diabetic patients
usually have to go without their normal quota of sugar.
This mechanism finally results in loss of alkali from
the blood and an excess of acid. These changes can
be determined by blood tests that are available. The chart form for diabetics to follow. In this condition
excess of acid in the blood, or acidosis, is the most success can be obtained only by full co-operation
serious complication of diabetes, and if unchecked between patient and doctor. The intelligent patient
progresses to stupor and coma, and eventually death. will study diabetes from literature that is available to
Other complications of untreated or poorly controlled the public, or from sources suggested by the doctor.
diabetes are the development of hardening of the ar- He should become acquainted with the simple urine
teries (arteriosclerosis), gangrene of the feet, neuritis, test for sugar that can be done with one of the pocket
cataracts of the eyes, and a poor resistance to infec- analysis sets. Dietary weights and contents must betion, resulting in repeated attacks of boils, and more come so familiar to such a person that it becomes
chest infections.
natural to sit down to a meal anywhere, and quickly
Prevention of diabetes is of greatest interest to appraise his menu for approximate caloric content and
those who have relatives with diabetes. Eating a well- proportion of carbohydrates to protein and fat.
balanced diet and avoiding excessive fats or sugars is
One can readily understand that fever and exworth while. This involves keeping the weight down ercise reduce the amount of insulin required, and that
to average figures if there is a tendency to be over- anxiety and worry increase this need. The weight must
weight. The connection between diabetes and pros- be increased or decreased to bring it to normal level.
perity is no doubt found in the dietary habits of this Periodic examinations and blood tests are essential for
group of people. Infection should be promptly checked good control. Frequent adjustments of the diet for
by modern medical methods.
children will be required. The patient or a member
The active treatment of a diagnosed case of dia- of the family soon learns to give the proper insulin
betes, though not simple, is definitely worth while. Not dosage.
infrequently a case that is severe before treatment
Proper rest, hygiene and care of the feet are
proves to be mild after treatment. The objective of found to be important. By coming out from under
treatment is to make it possible for the body to use the dark cloak of diabetic secrecy and facing the
within each twenty-four hour period all the carbo- world frankly, the diabetic can be regulated more
hydrate that is ingested. In mild cases this may be easily. It calls, however, for a period of active study,
done by a diet that restricts the intake of sugars and social and personal adjustments, and more than
starches. In more severe cases, the proper dosage of average personal care. The person who finds he has
insulin, in one of its forms, must be given along with diabetes can look forward more hopefully than ever
a diet.
before, expecting relatively normal occupations and
Treatment must be individualized according to activities, and a life that will be longer, more useful
the severity and complications of each case; therefore and more pleasant than has been possible in bygone
no diet or insulin programme can be set forth in years,
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
17
CIENCE hasn't discovered what kind of noise
annoys an oyster. But the experts know what
noises irritate humans—any noise at all, when
there's enough of it.
Sometimes, of course, we are conscious of the
noises that bother us; at other times we are not. But,
says the scientist, whether we realize it or not,, noise
—most of it preventable—is just plain unhealthful.
Medical experiments show that noise where we
work, where we live and sleep, and where we travel
to and from work can cut down our efficiency, impair
our peace of mind, our health, and our comfort. Noise,
they reveal, brings sleeplessness, tired nerves, and poor
digestion.
The scientists have devised ways of determining
just how much noise—or how little—is damaging to
our welfare. Measuring noise in units called decibels,
Dr. E. Lawrence Smith, famous neurologist,, determined that noise at a level of 60 decibels or more has
a decided ill effect on the digestion.
Decibels are easier to understand by comparison
than by definition. For example, an ordinary conversation averages 40 decibels. Normal sounds in a busi-
S
noise
.••••••'.
/ //
,,
ness office will combine to create a noise that measures
50 decibels. A noisy office often hits 70 decibels.
The rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze measures
18 decibels. A whisper five feet away amounts to 25
decibels. That loud radio next door probably registers
65 decibels or more. A motor-car horn blasted at
you from a distance of ten feet jumps the count to
120 decibels, hurts your ears, and probably makes you
angry.
Contrary to popular belief, we never completely
adjust our physical, mental, or nervous mechanisms
to noise. No matter how familiar a repeated sound
becomes, it never passes unregistered. Even when
asleep we "hear" sounds entering the bedroom, for
they register on the mind and cause unnecessary mental activity.
Some sounds that experience has taught us require muscular reaction—motor-car horns and the
like—actually result in physical activity while we sleep.
Impulses transmitted to and through the nerves by
these sounds cause jumping, leg or arm movement,
and tossing, all adding up to uneven sleep and loss of
rest.
18
can
drive
you
crazy
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
B I
re
,000
Occupational deafness is becoming more and
more common. As our cities become noisier there is
more deafness among road builders, bus and taxi
drivers, printers, and traffic policemen. Organizations
of employers and insurance groups are analysing this
hazard and beginning to develop control techniques.
Procedures include study by physicists of the actual and potential noise levels in big industrial plants
and a careful analysis of an employee's hearing before
he is assigned to a section of plant where noise is loud
and continuous. Street noises are under study in many
of the larger cities. For instance, the Armour Research Foundation, of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is doing a thorough study of Chicago street
noises.
Street and traffic noises are for the most part nonrhythmical. They are therefore the most annoying, as
the ear cannot readily adjust to them. This gives rise
to anger and other disturbing emotions. This is one of
the reasons for the dire effect of noise on the delicately
attuned nervous system. Not only does the continual
pressure of strident sound to which workers are exposed tend to produce impairment in hearing but it
also puts a strain on the nervous system, which leads
to neurasthenia and other mental ills.
It has long been realized that noise in machinery
means inefficiency. Automotive engineers particularly
seem to understand this. The motor-car manufacturers
are quieting the later models. Even the newer auto
horns are less raucous, more melodious. Manufacturers
of modern tram-cars have used many pounds of rubber and other sound-insulating material to reduce the
noise of their vehicles. In city transit the introduction
of new, silent electric trolley coaches or trackless trolleys has cut city traffic noises to a great extent.
San Francisco's health director, J. C. Geiger,
commented: "If a decrease in noise contributes to
the cause of public health—and few will argue otherwise—then changes to trolley coaches are a definite
contribution. They should serve to diminish the irritations and distractions imposed by noise upon folks
working, shopping, walking, or riding along Market
Street.
dbury
"Nor are the benefits confined to the downtown
section. Already we have received enthusiastic reports
from hospitals where noise formerly created by the old
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
19
Modern Furniture
for Modern Living
Space economy Is SteelAge's selling-point
today, Specially designed for modern flats by
India's frontrank craftsmen, SteelAge
furniture in gleaming rustproof steel is also
the nation's favourite for modern
beauty, durability and exceptional thrift.
See SteelAge first.
SINOLI-DOCIR ALMIRAN.
Size: 72•Hx27•Wx2I'D.
Four adjustable shelves.
Optional extra fittings.
•
DRESSING-TRILL
Three adjustable mirrors,
two drawers. Shelf and
pedestal covered with black
vitrolite glass bound with
stainless steel border.
Symbol of Security and Beauty in Steel
HEAD OFFICE & WORKS: opp. Post Office, Mazagaon,
Bombay-10 'Phone: 41014 'Grams: "STEELAGE"
SHOWROOM: Readymoney Manslon,V1rNarlman Rd.
Bombay-I. 'Phone:1 253429
{RANCH OFFICE: 71, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,
Calcutta-13. 'Phone: 24-1121, 'Grams: "svmsoLIC"
20
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
tram-cars has disappeared with the advent of trolley
coaches. Moreover, the public should notice a difference in the carbon dioxide content of the air as more
and more gasoline buses are replaced."
Decibel measures of the noisiest intersections in
San Francisco in 1936 averaged 86, with a high of
98 and a low of 70. Today the comparative figure
averages 79, with a high of 84 and a low of 73. At
the noisiest intersection—Market and Fillmore streets
—a tram-car starting boosted the decibel reading by
10; an auto, from 5 to 12; and a trolley coach, from
1 to 4. Buses and motor trucks average a reading of
77 decibels.
•
the ticking of a clock, to drive prisoners in otherwise
quiet cells out of their minds. Police officers recognize
the psychological effectiveness of continual questioning and shouting when interrogating criminals and
trying to force information or confessions from them.
There has been a steadily rising incidence of
mental disease in all civilized countries in recent years.
It is not an exaggeration to say that quite a few cases
of insanity are caused by nervous systems that cannot
adjust themselves to the constant bombardment of
noise. Persons with emotional imbalances or those who
are forced to carry heavier mental loads than they
are capable of carrying are pushed more rapidly into
Other heartening advances in the battle against insanity by noise. These individuals must be cared for
useless noise come from the use of more sound-absorb- in public institutions, and in many instances their
ing materials in factories, offices, stores, and homes. treatment is paid for through increased taxation.
Thomas Edison once said that city noises must
Telephone and radio engineers have developed techniques that can show other engineers how to cope inevitably grow greater, and that the man of the
with unwanted sound. Noise probably never will be future will be deaf. It is true that some noises are on
eliminated completely, for, paradoxically, absolute the increase, yet there is hope that the anti-noise steps
quiet also has an adverse effect on human nerves. of today may prevent the realization of Edison's pesHowever, man-made racket, industrial sounds, and simistic prophecy.
especially the roar of traffic can be subdued to a point
Surveys of the most annoying noises list motorwhere they no longer constitute a health hazard.
car horns, squealing brakes, city buses, cutouts,
Dr. Foster Kennedy, a brain specialist, has shown and motor-cycles as the worst offenders. Close to the
that noise has a definitely detrimental effect on the top among other objectionable sounds are those from
mind. In experiments at Bellevue Hospital in New overloud radios that belong to somebody else, factory
York he discovered that bursting a blown-up paper whistles, riveting, pneumatic drills, and noisy games
bag raised the pressure on the brain of a nearby pa- and parties. Strangely enough, barking dogs and yowltient higher than morphine and nitro-glycerine, the ing cats are not considered as noisy as cartoonists often
two most powerful drugs known for increasing brain depict them.
pressure. The paper-bag explosions raised the brain
How much do you contribute to the general
pressure four times above normal for a second before noise? Do you blow your motor horn only when it is
returning to normal.
absolutely necessary? Do you speak louder than you
Is it any wonder that some people can be driven need to? Do you play your radio at full volume? Do
to despair, to insanity, or to death by incessant noise? you put up with needlessly noisy machines in your
office, factory, or home? Surely if you do, you don't
At a recent anti-noise conference in England Dr.
do it purposely. You probably intend to be considerate
Dan McKensie, British Army surgeon, revealed that
of others.
during the late war some men were killed by noise.
If other persons create noise, your own personal
The shock of sound waves resulting from high exploefforts
toward quiet go for nothing. But you can help.
sives actually was able to produce death. Scientists
In
your
community one or more groups probably
are studying the possibility of using sound waves, both
work
for
noise abatement. They may be the health
audible and inaudible, as killing weapons for future
department, the police department, the chamber of
wars. If the H-bomb doesn't get you, noise may.
commerce, or the local newspaper. To a large extent
All experts agree that a sudden loud noise causes they depend on you and other citizens to tell them
about the same reaction in a person as does a great where there is excessive and useless noise and which
fright. If the reaction is severe enough, it may be fol- noises are irritating. Don't be ashamed to complain.
lowed by shock—a general feeling of depression and These organizations, with your co-operation, will help
loss of vitality. And shock, from a medical standpoint, correct the situation so that you and your neighbours
is often more dangerous than the various body injuries can have the peace and quiet to which you are enthat produce it.
titled. Don't let noise drive you out of your head.
Not only loud noises but continuing noises, even
Mother probably isn't speaking lightly when she
little ones, can create a great nervous strain in most admonishes: "If you don't stop that racket, you'll
**•
persons. The ancients used a constant noise, such as drive me crazy."
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
21
Alan P. Major
T IS only recently that the importance of colour
in relation to our health was realized. It is now
known that it affects us physically and mentally,
influencing, adversely or otherwise, our moods and
feelings.
Hospitals, especially mental hospitals, have recognized how colour can help to calm the disturbed
mind, balance the excited emotions, and bring harmony into the sick physical and mental systems. In
industry, too, much research has gone into the colour
problem in order to assure happier, healthier working
conditions.
All colour comes from the sun. In the solar spectrum are the seven colours: red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, indigo, and violet. Without the sun's aid our
food would be colourless and also useless to our bodies.
Or the seven spectrum colours there are approximately a million combinations, but our eyes are able
to see only 378. Wrong colour combinations can actually cause depression, irritation, ill-health. A right
selection, on the other hand, can exhilarate.
Red and orange are warm, cheerful colours and
have a rousing effect. A careful use of these can greatly
enhance the cheerfulness of a home. But there are
dangers if one is too free with the use of these exhilarating colours. I once knew of a woman, who up
to the time of her moving into a new flat, was enjoying normal health, but only a few weeks had passed
when she began to suffer from severe headaches and
nervous indigestion.
A visit to her flat soon showed the. reason for
these. The colour scheme was in almost unrelieved reds
and oranges; two colours that, although warm and
complementary, being together so glared from the
walls and furnishings that anyone, however healthy,
would soon suffer from eyestrain and headaches, too.
I
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
Her husband changed the colour scheme in the living- wise dull objects. A dull brown of grey scheme,
room to a soothing pale blue and powder grey, with blended with a few objects or decoration of yellow,
suitable blue-grey furnishings; the kitchen was re- will become more attractive.
painted in shell pink and soft lemon yellow. When she
Industry and food-stuff manufacturers have, in
became adapted to the new colours her headaches recent years, realized how important colour is to the
sale of their products. It has become only too apparent
vanished.
Another instance of the effect of colour on our that many food-stuffs have been "colour-doctored"
nervous system concerns the radio studios of the Na- to make them appear more appetizing than they really
tional Broadcasting Company of America. After var- are. Jams that obviously do not look the colour of the
ious experiments the walls and ceilings of their studios fruit they are supposed to be; margarine that is too
were painted in two shades of blue. It had been dis- "healthily" golden-yellow are examples. This can also
covered that this colour scheme was the best for quiet- be said of fish and meat cakes and "kippers" that look
ening the nerves of those waiting to broadcast, and unnaturally brown, and peas and beans that are of a
"rich" green.
also soothed away "stage fright."
Green is also relaxing and tranquillizing. It is also
Hospitals, clinics, and doctors' waiting rooms,
one of the most important colours used in the treat- which once were almost universally a combination of
ment of hysteria and shell-shock. Harsh greens, if used browns, greys, off-whites, and creams, are generally
in places of work, can be terribly irritating; but soft brighter and more cheerful with schemes of pastel
greens, such as lime, will cheer the occupants of the shades, blues, green, blue-grey, pinks, and yellows.
room to greater activity.
The more cheering atmosphere at least makes one feel
I once heard of a good instance of the use of a psychologically fitter, even if one is physically unwell.
harsh green. A manufacturing company called in an
Some shop-keepers were quick to realize the
expert to try to solve the problem of time being wasted psychological value of light and colour in their shops.
by the company's workers in the toilet and washroom. Fishmongers found that fluorescent lighting combined
The expert suggested changing the colour scheme of with pastel powder blue walls and white tiles, made
the toilets and washrooms from a restful pale blue and their fish on the slabs appear fresher and of better
cream, to a glaring shade of green.
quality. One grocer I knew almost cunningly used a
It was found, after a period of six months, that red bulb over his cold meats and bacon counter. The
the use of colour psychology had altered the habits of red glow on the bacon and ham enhanced the appearthe workers; and although they grumbled about the ance of the meat, making it look leaner and tastier.
"terrible" green, they soon gladly went back to work He said that sales were very good and on the increase.
and cut short their "rest," which was precisely what We make no comment on the morality of such a
the company wanted.
device.
An appropriate shade of green was used in the
However, it does emphasize the new importance
furnishing and interior decorations of the aircraft used of colour in our daily lives. In this fast-moving age,
in service by one American passenger airline, because every means of relaxing our over-taut nervous systems
the colour had been found to have a calming effect must be encouraged. Colours used sensibly and carewhich helped to avoid sickness.
fully can do this. If you are a "bundle of nerves," canYellow is another nerve stimulant. For centuries not relax, feel depressed, why not try a dose of colour?
it was regarded by sun-worshippers as the most im- The mere fact of choosing new colours, obtaining the
portant colour, and yellow stones and beads were con- paints, etc., required, and doing the job, may do the
sidered sacred. It is bright and cheerful, and when trick, and when the room is completed the depression
used wisely gives a room or object,, an air of vitality. will likely have vanished and a sense of restful
Yellow also has a useful effect of brightening other- harmony be in its place.
AND HEALTH 'et
THE MOULD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
23
GARDENING AS A HOBBY
R. L. Rowe
HOBBY should help a person to turn his thoughts
away from his ordinary
workday activities. It should be
relatively inexpensive and not require a large expenditure of time
and effort. It should bring satisfactions that result from personal
achievement. There are few hobbies that can equal gardening, few
that can be adjusted more easily to
available time and cash.
It is not necessary to have a
large area in order to have a
garden. A garden can be in a
window box, or it may cover an
acre. It may require an outlay no
greater than the cost of a packet of
seeds, or perhaps can even be
begun with extra plants obtained
from a generous neighbour. On the
other hand expensive equipment is
available to ease garden tasks, but
even for a moderate plot a spade
or garden fork, a pickaxe, a hoe, a
rake, a water hose or can, and a
small spray gun or duster is about
all the equipment necessary. A
large iron spoon or trowel and a
small water can may suffice for a
window garden.
The best advice for beginners is
to start small. It is easy when the
weather is good and the hopes high
A
24
to become too ambitious and to
prepare an area larger than a person can later care for. Also, a small
area, well cared for, will give
greater satisfactions than a larger
area that all too easily may become
a jungle of weeds. A few wellchosen healthy plants look much
better, and will do better than a
garden packed too full of plants.
Most plants cover at least a foot
of ground when mature, so a good
general rule to remember is that
plants should always be spaced at
least six inches apart, and most
plants require more than this distance. A Japanese gardener may
start with a hundred plants and
select perhaps three or only one to
grow to maturity. Other good
rules: Water only when necessary.
Plant seeds no deeper than five
times their average diameter. Do
not cultivate growing plants deeper
than one inch near the plant
stem—cultivate only the surface
soil.
The best satisfactions are gained
from an outdoor garden. Sunshine,
fresh air, and exercise all contribute to health, but one must be
careful not to overdo and develop
backaches and sore muscles in so
doing. A few minutes in the garden
every day or two will accomplish
far more than one strenuous effort
followed by little or nothing.
There is a fascination about
growing things that appeals to almost everyone. Even a radish that
one has grown seems to taste a
little better to most people. I never
cease to marvel at the transformation that takes place as a lifelesslooking seed changes into a living
thing. Here is real magic—the
magic of life itself. As one sees the
seed spring into life and growth,
the thoughts are drawn toward the
great Source of life. The mind is
uplifted through contact with nature. The crowning reward is to
see plants in flower or fruit.
There are many types of gardening, and those who have found success in one may find a new reward
in trying some other type. Not
even the most ambitious can hope
to try all, even to a limited extent.
The fruit gardener may suit his
space and his tastes by planting an
acre or he may take pride in a
pot of cumquats. This is a small
fruited plant somewhat similar to
an orange, of which the whole, including the skin, may be eaten. It
makes excellent preserves and is
easily grown on a verandah. It is
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH
1960
Even strawberries, and some small is easily grown. It is an excellent
fruit trees grow well in large pots. addition to salads; it brings adRaised beds, in which a layer of ditional flavour with tomato dishes.
crushed brick or stone an inch or It is very fragrant in bouquets.
two thick is covered by at least six Sweet Marjoram is another easily
inches of earth, make it possible to grown herb. It is useful in roasts,
grow plants on solid rock. Even if cutlets, with dahl or beans. There
you have no sunny window, ferns, are many other herbs that can be
senseveria, wandering Jew, philo- grown from seed. Mint (pepperdendron, begonias, and many other mint or spearmint) can be started
plants will grow in a shady site. in water from cuttings purchased
Many of these can be used as house in the market.
plants in a sunny window also.
If your hobby is vegetable growPhilodendron and senseveria will ing, try a few plants of the unusual.
grow inside.
There are many kinds of lettuce,
Perhaps you may wish to grow carrots, cabbage, sweet corn, potayour own garden herbs. Sweet basil toes. Chinese Cabbage is a new
taste treat to many. Broccoli, pur"He who makes a garden
ple cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
Works hand-in-hand with God..."
are other members of the cabbage
—Douglas Malloch
family that are unusual and tasty.
Chives or shallots arc "everlasting"
types of onions, in which the tops
are used in salads or cooking.
The bulbs multiply and a single
plant soon becomes many. Asparagus roots are available from nurseries in Kalimpong. These will
provide for many years, if kept
watered, a source of an unusual
vegetable that is greatly enjoyed
by many people. Lima beans will
last for months. Soy beans, grown
in the cool season, are the richest
common source of protein, containing more pure protein by weight
that eggs or meat. This vegetable
could be a very great help for adding growth and strength factors to
the diet. The variety bansei is used
as a green shell bean, and is very
tasty when served with cream.
Gardening can lead to related
hobbies, such as flower arranging,
landscape gardening, and home
decorating. It can result in a more
beautiful home and neighbourhood, and can bring new friends,
as well as cause the old ones to
stop and admire, or to discuss how
they, too, can have the enjoyments
you will find. This is creative work
at its best, for it is co-operating
with the great Creator to make this
world a lovelier and better place.
Try gardening.
very decorative and lasts for
years. The more ambitious gardener may wish to try larger trees.
Some of the varieties available to
the home gardener are more tasty
than the regular market fruits.
The flower gardener has a very
wide field. He may specialize in
one type of plant, such as rose,
chrysanthemum, lily, etc. or he
may decide that he wishes to have
a mixed garden.
Pot gardening is one of the best
ways to have a few plants when
little ground space is available.
Most flowers and vegetables lend
themselves well to pot culture.
25
Are We Honest With Them
Mae Carberry Bradley
ILL IT HURT,
Mother?" asks little
Alice as I take the
merthiolate from the medicine
cabinet to decorate the freshly
skinned knee.
"Yes, it will hurt for a little
while, but soon it will stop and
feel much better. If we don't put
medicine on it to kill the germs, it
may get very sore and hurt all the
time for many days. We want it
to get well soon, don't we? Now
you blow it."
She bravely endures the pain
while she blows fiercely. The blowing probably doesn't actually
relieve pain, but little girls can't
cry and blow at the same time, so
it really helps, after all.
Most of all it helps to tell her the
truth so she is prepared for the
pain. Children appreciate honesty,
and surely if we want them to be
honest and truthful we must set
the example in all our dealings
with them.
A bit of humour helps too.
Often I say, "This is going to hurt.
Get your tears out." The result is a
laugh, without tears. Seldom does
any child cry at ordinary hurts if
he is forewarned. The cry of the
deceived child often comes, more
because he is angry than because of
the pain. He resents the falsehood.
W
26
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
Children like to be brave.
One time a well-meaning
neighbour was to stay with the
children while I went out on an
important errand.
"Now you slip out while I read
them a story. When they find you
are gone they won't cry long."
"No, Mrs. Fane, they won't cry
at all. I have already explained to
them where I am going and why.
They understand that it is necessary for me to go, and that it is not
convenient to take them. I never
deceive my children."
Mrs. Fane was amazed that not
a word of complaint came from
any child. She was still more surprised when at eight o'clock they
announced they must go to bed
now, and prepared at once to do
so.
"I didn't think modern children
could be so obedient," she exclaimed after I returned.
If we are honest with children
at all times we can depend on them
to be honest also. If they are deceived they will practise the same
art.
What do we do about the promises we make to children? I don't
believe we should promise a special gift for the good boy or girl
every time we go to town, but a
promise is a promise, whether
made to child or adult. We may
discover that circumstances prevent the keeping of a promise.
Then we should explain to the
child as carefully as we would to
a friend.
One of the most common
ways of deceiving children is in
the answering of their questions,
and probably the most common deception is in regard to the secrets
of life. Even the four- or five-yearold may ask, "Where did I come
from?" or "Where did Mrs. Jones
get her baby?" I have been grieved
to hear parents say that they have
told a child that the stork brought
baby brother, or that he was found
out in the woods, or the doctor
brought him in his little black bag,
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
or that doctors make them at the
hospital. The average child soon
learns from other children that his
parents have been telling him untruths. Often he already knows and
wants to see what Mother or Daddy will say. He loses confidence in
a parent he knows is not truthful.
For the tiny tot it may be
enough to say, "God gave us baby
brother. Someday I will tell you
all about it." If he is five or six
it is easy to explain that God made
a lovely little nest right inside
Mother's body in which baby can
grow until he is large enough and
strong enough to come from the
little nest and be placed in the
bassinet where we can all enjoy
him. There are many good books
to help those parents who choose
to be honest with their children
but do not know how to answer
their questions.
Numerous questions come up
even from teen-age youngsters.
Some questions are hard to answer,
and some we would rather not
answer, but we must be honest
even if we have to give up some
of our cherished ideas.
When my five-year-old adopted
Delbert came asking, "Mother, did
you borned me?" I had to ignore
my personal feelings as well as his
grammar in order to tell him the
truth. He had to be told some time.
"No," I answered, "God never
did let me give birth to little babies,
so I took some whose mammas
couldn't take care of them."
"Well, who did horned me?" he
asked.
That was the question I hadn't
wanted to answer for some time
yet, but I explained that the
woman we took him to see sometimes was his first mother, but she
couldn't keep him because his own
daddy was far away and the new
daddy didn't want him. He was
satisfied and apparently dismissed
the whole affair from his mind.
Occasionally he asked questions
about his first mother, but during
the ten years since that time there
has been no change in his attitude
toward me.
Are we honest in our business
dealings with children? Human nature craves ownership. Even children should have things which
really belong to them. After we
have given something to a child,
is it his, or is it sold and the proceeds pocketed with no explanation to the owner?
Children find great happiness in
showing off their possessions.
"This is mine," means so much to
a child. They may have books,
pets, games, even a tree, a garden,
or a flower bed. In the country it
is sometimes possible for the children to have a few chickens, or a
calf, or a lamb. They may justly
be asked to pay something for
feed, and if it belongs to them,
they should have a voice in the
selling of it. If the money must go
into some family project they
should at least feel they have a
share in that. I do not believe they
should take a sum of money and
spend it without guidance, but
they can be led into investing it
wisely.
One of the principal reasons
children want to leave home is that
nothing of interest there belongs
to them. A book purchased for the
family is enjoyed by all, but to
Eugene it will never mean a fraction as much as the one purchased
for him, with his name written in
it for proof of his ownership.
I have a little nine-year-old girl
with me who is not legally adopted,
but she is encouraged to feel that
our home is hers. She had previously owned very little, yet we
had to make a trip to a home
where she had stayed to get two
small, unattractive dolls, because
they were hers. "Is it mine so I
can take it with me if I have to go
away?" she asks frequently. "Is
this our home?" "Which is our
land?" "Does all this furniture belong to us?" She is delighted when
her name is written in a book. It
27
was nice to use Eugene's books but
so much nicer to have her own.
If she should leave our home sometime, she will take her treasured
possessions with her.
Stealing is very common among
children, but too many of them
learn it at home. They hear Father
boast about the extra change he
got, and the clerk didn't know the
difference. They see Mother slip
money out of Father's billfold with
the laughing assurance that he will
never know. If a child has treasure
of his own, has been trusted by
his parents, and has not had a
questionable example set before
him, he is not likely to be tempted
to steal.
Do our children always hear us
tell the truth? Have they ever heard
us remark how ugly Mrs. Mohan's
new saree is, and then heard us
tell Mrs. Mohan how lovely and
becoming it is? Have they known
that we had money for shopping,
yet heard us tell a solicitor at the
door that we hadn't a paisa? Have
they heard us tell someone to say
we are not at home because an
agent, or a talkative neighbour we
don't wish to bother with, is coming to the door?
One well-known writer has said,
"No man who does not utter the
real sentiment of his heart can be
called a truthful man. Falsehood
virtually consists in an intention to
deceive; and this may be shown
by a look or word. Even facts
may be so arranged and stated as
to constitute falsehoods. . . . But
the record of words and deeds in
the books of heaven will tell the
sad story of the falsehoods spoken
and acted.
"The children begin young to
deceive, cover up, tell things in a
different light from what they are
to their mother as well as their
father. Exaggeration becomes habit, and blunt falsehoods come to
be told with but little conviction or
reproof of conscience."
We do want our children to be
honest. Let us be honest with them.
28
Importance of Physical Fitness
L. J. Larson
A student from Calcutta wants
to know our attitude on the "importance of games." From Uttar
Pradesh and Kerala come questions
about daily exercise for students. A
youth from Andhra suggests a discussion of the "importance of
physical fitness for students." Another wants to know how "to take
care of the body while studying."
The list is long. It includes a question from West Bengal on "the
need for health-giving foods," and
another from Burma says„ "Does
dieting affect scholarship?" A student from the Northwest wants to
know about care of health during
examination days.
We will briefly try to answer
some of these questions or at least
make some helpful suggestions.
Health, during student days, is
of vital importance. Whatever you
can do to improve your health or
to maintain good health during
student days is effort wisely expended.
Daily exercise is important for
everyone. But it is especially important for those who, like most
good students, are engaged primarily in mental activity. Such exercise may be obtained through active participation in games and
sports, walking, or actual physical
labour of some sort.
For a student or teacher to
spend a regulated amount of time
each day in physical exercise is not
time lost. The exercise invigorates
the entire system. It improves circulation and results in greatly refreshing and strengthening the
mind.
Games and sports can, however,
be a hindrance to the student rather than a help. They may result
in a waste of precious time that
should be used in study. They may
so tire the student as a result of
over-exertion that he is unable to
concentrate on his studies later on.
It is therefore to be desired that
the games and exercises or labour
engaged in by students be such that
the end result is refreshing and energizing rather than weakening and
debilitating.
Closely allied to exercise is diet.
Diet does have its effect upon
scholarship. A student or other
mental worker does not need the
heavy, bulky diet that may be appropriate for the man engaged in
strenuous physical activity.
The student should be certain
that his diet is well-balanced,
nourishing, and palatable. He
should eat regularly on schedule.
He should drink plenty of water
and other liquids such as milk and
fruit juices. He should not neglect
the regular elimination of body
wastes, lest they accumulate and
not only cause physical discomfort
but actually poison the system.
Easily digested, nourishing food
will help keep the mind clear.
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1965
Heavy, rich foods require much of
the body's energy for digestion.
The digestive processes take blood
away from the brain and the student needs a rich supply of freshly
oxygenated blood to supply his
brain with the strength it needs at
all times. Thus the student would
do well to refrain from eating
quantities of food difficult to digest. Just what these foods are we
cannot list here. Good books on
nutrition will help you in this regard. Generally they are the rich
greasy foods, though sometimes
they are simply the foods habitually eaten in large quantity. The
student should remember, too, that
some foods may be difficult for
him to digest though they may be
easily digested by someone else.
Foods difficult to digest should
be avoided during times when the
freshness and vigour of the brain
are important.
If you would be wise you will
be sure to obtain plenty of fresh
air and you will strive to sit and
walk so that your lungs will not be
cramped; you should be able, at
all times, to take in full, deep
breaths. The amount of oxygen in
the blood bears a direct relationship to the freshness and vitality
of the brain.
Sleep is essential for good health.
Sleep lost for extra study at examination time accounts for much
mental fatigue and a resultant loss
bf marks. Better marks are obtained when a student goes to the
examination hall fully refreshed
both mentally and physically.
Systematic review throughout the
term is much better than intense
cramming just before the examination. If possible have a full night's
sleep before the examination. A
number of fine students of my acquaintance find it helpful to take
a short nap just before the examination is to be given. Of course,
this sort of programme requires that
the student be awake during the
course!
The habitual practice of healthTHE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
ful living during student days will
not require a change of living habits during examinations. If you
will take proper care of your body
during school days your body will
take care of you later on!
EDITORIAL
(Continued from
p.
5.)
And thus has been dramatically
demonstrated again how little
things have often counted for
much in the overall pattern of human events.
Recently a school boy's kite was
responsible for an unprecedented
power breakdown in Western
India's industrial complex. A small
copper strand which the boy had
innocently attached to his kite fell
on high tension wires and completely dislocated the power supply for nearly fifty minutes.
Electric trains carrying office
employees and factory workers
came to a halt, immobilized trams
caused traffic snarls in Bombay's
busy streets, lifts stopped, often
between floors. Factories and mills
ceased to hum and cinema houses
were plunged into darkness—all
because of a little boy and his kite.
He could not know what a lot of
trouble, inconvenience and loss
he had caused that day to thousands of people all over the country by an insignificant act in one
afternoon of childish play.
Similarly, no one can estimate
nor fully realize the far-reaching
results of apparently trivial matters
in life. "For want of a nail the shoe
was lost," significantly recounts a
well-known poem. But the loss
didn't end with the nail and the
shoe. The shoe was lost from the
hoof of a horse which was carrying
a general into battle. And "for
want of the shoe the horse was lost,
arid for want of the horse, the general was lost, and for want of the
general, the battle was lost." It all
added up to a loss of tremendous
magnitude, simply because someone carelessly shirked his responsibility and failed to fasten the nail
firmly in the horse's shoe.
In the same way, there is likely
to be trouble ahead for any person who blandly ignores or underrates the importance of little things.
This is especially true in the sphere
of health. "Just this once won't
hurt anybody" is a subtle argument often advanced in favour of
experimenting with some harmful
practice. Only in after years does
the unsuspecting victim of such
sophistry come to realize the awful
cost of such faulty thinking. On the
other hand, many have reaped rich
rewards in maturity and old age
from carefulness and discipline
practised in the formative years of
youth. Having been mindful in the
beginning of the importance of
little things in such matters as diet
and temperance, they laid well the
foundations of health and established habit patterns that contributed strength and durability to
the body structure for life.
"Little drops of water, tiny
grains of sand, make the mighty
ocean and the pleasant land"—
says a familiar couplet. But these
words state more than a mere observation about the natural world.
They lay down a principle about
the tremendous importance of little things. This is seen in a marked
way in the formation of habits.
Psychologists declare that every act
of life is registered in the tissues of
the body and gradually contributes
cumulative strength or weakness to
a person's overall physical and
moral nature.
Don't be easily persuaded that
little things don't count. They do,
and some day you will be stronger,
healthier, and happier because you
were mindful day by day of the
importance and far-reaching results
of trifles in life's experience.
—T. R. T.
29
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111
The Publishers of this Magazine Insure Their Motor
Cars and Property with
The National
EMPLOYERS' Mutual
General Insurance
Association Limited
Head Office for the East: 23 Nicol Road, Ballard
Estate, Bombay 1. Telephone: 26-2823 (2 lines)
26-2824.
Telegrams: "EMPLOMUTUA." Chief Office for
Northern India: 4 Peareylal Buildings, Queensway,
New Delhi. Telephone: 47625.
Statement of Ownership and Publication
1. Place of Publication: Poona.
2. Periodicity of its publication: Monthly.
3. Printer's Name: V. Raju; Nationality: Indian; Address: Salisbury
Park, Poona.
4. Publisher's Name: V. Raju; Nationality: Indian; Address: Salisbury Park, Poona.
5. Editor's Name: T. R. Torkelson; Nationality: American; Address:
Salisbury Park, Poona.
6. Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and
partners or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the
total capital: The Oriental Watchman Publishing House (an association.) Names and addresses of the Members of the Board of
Trustees: 0. 0. Mattison, V. Raju, D. S. Johnson, M. E. Kemmerer, T. R. Torkelson, C. R. Bonney, CI W. Lange, J. W.
Nixon, L. R. Shultz, J. S. Damn, R. S. Lowry, Salisbury Park,
Poona; M. Amirthan, Ganeshkhind Poona; C. B. Guild, Rangoon; C. H. Hamel, Lahore; G. W. Maywald, Bombay; A. E.
Rawson, Ceylon; W. F. Storz, Karmatar, Bihar; E. L. Sorensen,
Bangalore; A. G. Johanson, New Delhi.
I, V. Raju, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date: February 28, 1960.
Signature of publisher: V. Raju.
11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
SIS rA'S•SG-76
Just a little
\\
makes white clothes—whitest--of all
\N
/
* TINOPAL is the registered trade mark of J. R. Geigy, S. A., Basle, Switzerland
Manufactured by: SUHRID GEIGY PRIVATE LIMITED, NA/d, wadi, B a roda —Sole Distributors: SUHRID GEIGY TRADING PRIVATE LIMITED, P. 0. Box 965. PIrnbay- I
30
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
GENERAL WEAKNESS: Ques.
—I am 19 years old. Sometimes I feel
very weak and I cannot do anything
like a grown-up man. Please suggest
for me some tonic or routine of exercises that will improve my physical
condition.
Ans.—Often the state of one's mind
is responsible for a feeling of weakness, etc. If one is bored or unhappy
or worried, the reaction on the body
results in a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or even vague aches and pains.
Also the body forces can be depleted
by insufficient sleep, sexual abuse,
lack of fresh air at night, smoking
and poor diet.
The diet must contain vital elements or vitamins as they are called.
These can be obtained in a vegetarian
diet. Use an abundance of fruits and
fresh vegetables, some nuts and wholegrain cereals. Combinations of dahl
and greens make a good source of
protein, and milk and curds give an
added protection to the body.
You should see a doctor to be
sure you are not anaemic and do not
have intestinal parasites.
Vigorous walking and gardening are
excellent forms of exercise.
COFFEE AND TEA: Ques.—
Kindly give me some information regarding the metabolism of coffee and
tea. I mean drinks of decoctions and
milk in both cases. Answer questions
such as: What are the end-products
of metabolism, and the systems or
organs that are influenced by them?
Ans.—Your question in regard to
the metabolism of coffee and tea is
one to which much study has been
given. All the investigators have
agreed that when coffee and tea are
brewed the resultant liquid contains
caffeine unchanged. In case of tea the
first brew contains the caffeine and
later brew contains more tannic acid.
The effect of caffeine on the body is
to stimulate the cerebrum and in-
crease the capacity for work. In doing this, however, it borrows on future energy, leaving the individual in
a low ebb after its effect is gone.
Caffeine also stimulates the kidneys
with a resultant increase in the flow
of urine. Many people come to the
doctor with headaches or tachycardia
(increased heart rate) and find that
the cause of their ailment is often
drinking coffee.
You are particularly interested in
the end-products of metabolism. Coffee is excreted rapidly. As it passes
through the body it loses methyl
groups which reduce it to mono and
demethyl xanthine and finally xanthine and urea. None of these endproducts have as important an effect
on the body as caffeine so that it is
the real offender.
Tannic acid has an astringent and
irritating effect on the stomach. It
helps to allay nausea in mild cases
and is useful as an enema in inflammatory diarrhceas.
Caffeol is the source of flavour in
coffee and is present as a salt of tannic acid called caffeol tannate. Its effect is to check digestion and retard
absorption.
CHRONIC HEADACHE: Ques.
—I have headaches almost daily. For
the past one and a half years I suffer from colds and coughs continuously. The headache starts from sunrise and remains up to sunset. It is
not half-sided but full-sided. I have
tried many treatments and am now
tired of taking medicines.
Ans.—Chronic headache may be
caused by various conditions. In your
case, migraine headache would be
ruled out because it is usually on one
side. High blood pressure is one of
the reasons for headache but it is
very seldom found in young persons.
Two of the most common conditions
causing chronic headache in young
people is sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous mem-
branes of the physiological sinuses
adjoining the nose, and nervous tension. Sinus troubles may be accompanied by chronic colds. The diagnosis has sometimes to resort to Xrays. The treatment may include
anti-biotics, nasal decongestants, antihistamines and infra-red light or diathermy. Tension headache is usually
accompanied by a good degree of
nervous tension, nervousness, sweating and heart palpitation.
PAIN CAUSED BY DENTURES:
Ques.—On advice from doctors, I had
all the teeth of my wife removed and
had dentures prepared. Though at
first, after a couple of trials, the
dentures were found suitable, my wife
now cannot exert the necessary pressure for chewing the food without
hurting the gums. When she hurts the
gums she has to stop chewing practically for a few days. Our dentist says
that the gums are spongy and that
there is no rapid cure. Will you suggest the best remedy?
Ans.—There is one fundamental requirement for anyone who wears
dentures and that is that there be a
good bony ridge on the lower jaw
especially. This ridge has a tendency
to disappear especially if a person has
gone without dentures and has not
applied pressure where teeth have
been extracted. I have seen many
older people in whom the lower jaw
was nothing more than a flat horizontal plate. Obviously it will he impos
Bible to fit lower dentures in such
condition. If the gums are redundant
that is if there is too much soft tissue
over the bone, it would be difficult
to get a good fitting. It may be necessary for some of this tissue to be
removed so that there would be a
harder ridge for the plates to rest on.
This type of work should be done
by a dentist who is skilled in oral
surgery. It would be necessary for
you to see a well-qualified orthodontist.
(See next page for information regarding this service.)
THE HER aLD 07 HEALTH, MARCH
1960
31
THE DOCTOR ANSWERS
1. This question and answer service is free
only to regular subscribers.
the doctor is not available through this service.
2. No attempt will be made to treat disease
nor to take the place of a regular physician
in caring for individual cases.
4. Questions to which personal answers are
desired must be accompanied by ADDRESSED
AND STAMPED ENVELOPES. Answers cannot
be expected under ONE MONTH.
3. All questions must be addressed to The
Doctor Answers. Correspondence personally with
5. Questions sent in on Post Cards will not
receive attention.
6. Make questions short and to the point.
Type them or write them very clearly.
7. Questions and answers will be published
only if they are of such a nature as to be of
general interest and without objection, but no
names will be published. Address "The Doctor
Answers," Oriental Watchman and Herald of
Health, P. O. Box 35, Poona 1, India.
Healthy ?
06. coG4Me
I
LIFEBUOY?
hiGlitthad4 1
v•
a habit
with me—as it is, .1 think, with most
people who care about health.
It gives me such a healthy feeling
of freshness after every bath.
LIFEBUOY SOAP is
And LIFEBUOY washes away
germs in dirt. You cannot avoid
picking up everyday dirt—
however clean your job. Make
LIFEBUOY your health habit!
LIFEBuoy
MA. IN INDIA •V .111010,15,01.1..V. 1.10•17110
—gives you that healthy
feeling of freshness!
• •ftwkiii sf Illadttstan Lever Ltd.
32
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
SaeAce oft rite 1124,rd
Portable Electronic Lung
A 56 lb. electronic lung that can be
easily transported with the patient is
demonstrated at Barnet General Hospital, near London. Known as the
"Barnet Ventilator", it has been developed by leading British electrical
companies and may in time replace
the heavy, cumbersome iron lung in
the treatment of respiratory conditions such as polio. Patients using the
instrument would have considerable
freedom, being connected to it by two
tubes only. The machine has built-in
batteries from which its transistorised
circuit will run for up to 20 hours
without recharging. It can be used in
operating theatres—including the administration of anmsthetics—as well
as for chronic bronchitis and asthma
and at the scene of an accident. According to a doctor, the machine has
never once broken down during the
seven years of its development. It has
been made available for purchase only
this year at a cost of approximately
Rs. 5,000.
—B.I.S.
Lobeline and Smoking
Further evidence is adduced by G.
W. Rapp and his colleagues (American
Journal of Medical Sciences, March
1959, 237, 287.) that lobeline is of
value as a smoking deterrent, provided
it is suspended in a buffering base.
(For their previous report see The
Practitioner, 1955, 175, 648). When
lobeline is suspended in an inert vehicle, such as corn starch, it is poorly
absorbed. In a buffered vehicle consisting of tricalcium phosphate and magnesium carbonate (slow-acting and
fast-acting antacid compounds, respectively), however, absorption is
rapid and consistent. It is claimed
that the blood lobeline level is 'directly related to the effectiveness
of this agent in acting as a curb to
smoking', and that the effective blood
level is 100 to 140 mg. of lobeline per
100 ml. of blood. Such levels they
obtained from the use of a preparaTHE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
tion (`bantron') containing 2 mg. of
lobeline sulphate, in the buffered
vehicle already described, per capsule.
The dosage was one capsule thrice
daily after meals. They investigated
this regime in two groups of smokers:
25 who did not wish to give up smoking, and 28 who wanted to stop smoking or at least to cut down the amount
they smoked. In both groups a considerable degree of success was
achieved but in different ways. In the
case of those who did not want to
stop smoking there was no decrease
in the number of cigarettes smoked,
but a definite decrease in the amount
of each cigarette smoked—as assessed
by the weight of the cigarette after
being stubbed out. Thus, the average
weight of tobacco actually smoked
per day fell from 11.5 to 4.1 g. In
the case of those who wished to stop,
or reduce smoking, the average number of cigarettes smoked daily fell
from 18.6 to 4.6.
—Indian Medical Forum
No Toothache for Bushmen
"Ribonucleose", fourth kind of
Protein Analysed
Five American scientists, all members of the Rockefeller Institute, have
succeeded, after six laborious years of
research, in determining the "chemical
nature of ribonucleose, the most complex protein yet analysed." Proteins
are the so-called "building blocks" of
the body and their contribution to the
growth and repair of the tissues is
vital. However, there are literally
thousands of kinds of proteins and
so far only three—insulin, A.C.T.H.
and osytocin—had been properly investigated.
It is now revealed that ribonucleose
is made up of 1,876 atoms. Some
idea of the infinite pains that have to
be taken in research of this kind can
be gained from the fact that the
breakdown of the constituent atoms
could only be effected after 124 different "pieces" of amino acids (the
basic materials of proteins) were assembled and reassembled until they
at last fitted together into the one
single pattern, out of an "unlimited"
number, which made up the chemical
formula for ribonucleose. Modern
scientists have to be men of infinite
patience.
—Times of India, Nov. 16, 1959.
Regarded as the most backward
and primitive of all people, the Bushmen of South Africa's Kalahari Desert
until recently have never had toothache or dental decay. Whereas most
Europeans have decay in childhood Vacuum Cleaner Collects
and the teens, the Bushmen usually
Hospital Bacteria
go through life with healthy, natural
A vacuum cleaner designed speteeth. Dr. J. F. van Reenen of the Oral
and Dental Hospital, University of cially for hospital use—it collects
Witwatersrand, who conducted a spe- bacteria as well as dust—has been
cial research expedition to the Kala- produced by a British firm.
The standard type of cleaner colhari Desert, concluded: "The Bushlects
dust but tends to blow out
man is probably immune from caries
because of the natural foods he eats." bacteria and cause cross-infection.
It is now reported, however, that un- This is prevented by the new machine,
fortunately for the Bushman, his in- which has a filter of finely spun glasscreasing contact with western life is fibre—the"nerve centre" of the bacspoiling his record, by making him teria-collecting pocket. The new
subject to dental troubles. Dr. van vacuum cleaner costs about £100, and
Reenen blames white sugar for which will be available shortly.
—B.I.S.
the Bushman is acquiring a taste.
(Reported in London Evening News,
Printed and published by V. Raju at and
for the Oriental Watchman Publishing House,
October 2, 1959.)
Salisbury Park, Poona I. 4567-60.
—Good Health
33
r
-.00%• ...OW. •
• sy.011••• • V. • r•••. • ...OV. • ..0100% • ..•1•10, • -y•., • --Aft • .,0••. e .••••••. • ,
Can eating help her to
grow lovelier?
i
i
•
HERE are an astonishing number of
beauty flaws that can't be corrected—
unless a woman eats the right food.
On this point, dietitians and beauty counsellors
speak with a single voice.
Every ounce of DALDA provides something
else of great importance. Energy — 255 ' calories'
of energy. No cooking medium gives more. For
DALDA is a wholesome fat and fat is the best
source of energy we know.
Take a prematurely old face, for example, of
that `tired' look. No matter what a woman's
skill with cosmetics, these troubles won't really
disappear unless she gets at least 55 grams of
protein from her food every day. And she could
get that, say, from a large glass of buttermilk at
every meal and 3 to 4 wheat chapattis.
Lovely woman or hard-working man, everybody needs at least 2 oz of fat every day.
But fats are often suspect— particularly with
women. Don't they balloon the waistline and
promote unglamorous weight?
When these ladies accuse fats, however, they must remember this :
Plumpness is caused when people take
in more calories of energy than their
daily activity can burn up.
Lack-lustre eyes will not sparkle with
health unless a woman's daily diet
provides 1.4 milligrams of Vitamin B2.
This would be more than amply supplied by her daily glasses of buttermilk.
What is possibly less well known is
that she can also get this most important of
' glamour' vitamins from the medium In which
such foods are cooked.
VITAMINS AND ENERGY
Seven hundred IU of Vitamin A go with each
ounce of DALDA Vanaspati, for instance; and
very little of it is lost during cooking. Vanaspati
keeps its Vitamins better than anything else you
could use for preparing the family meal.
Into every ounce also go 56 IU of Vitamin D
to keep bones healthy and the teeth lovely.
DL/P. 14-X52
• '40'1."• 4.0••—••• `080°-- 0 •somm•—•••4g• 0 -000..---*
•
•
•
•
Now calories come in sugars as well •
as in fats. Nutritionists advise some
people who want to take off weight
I
quickly to cut down on sugars rather •
than on fats. For, a person who is
overweight is made to call on his or
her own fat deposits more quickly if •
Spinach and green vegetables are
other `glamour' foods. They contain
vitamins and minerals. Spinach, for
instance, is rich in Iron—and so is more
important for a woman than for a man.
Dull hair and rough skin improve
only if the right amount of Vitamin A
is present in her diet. This is 5,000
International Units a day, a requirement that is easily met by a variety of
well-known foods.
•
FACTS ABOUT 'FATNESS'
BRIGHT EYES, LUSTROUS HAIR
34
'....'"'
sugar is kept low and fat is only moderately reduced.
•
FATS THAT ARE FOODS
After all, fats make food more tasty
and a very low fat intake causes people
to be obsessed with thoughts of food.
Which is undesirable, however you
look at it.
I•
•
For 30 years, people in India have turned in
increasing numbers to DALDA for their cooking
fat needs. It gives them the calories they require
for energy, the flavour they want in their cooking,
the Vitamins they need for health (and, if you
like, for Beauty).
So when people use DALDA, they meet their
needs with something that is a nourishing food—
just as much as it is a fat.
HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, HOMBAIT.
0
..00m. • —400, • -Alp., •
•
II
•
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH 1960
NEW ...delightful... delicious ...
V
ariety Custard POWDERS from Brown & Polson
Six flavours and colours — all in one packet! Ready in a minute, you can serve
creamy-smooth Brown & Polson Variety Custard with puddings and sweets.
Delightful too, with all kinds of fresh and tinned fruit.
Fr e
. Fill in this coupon for a free, exciting new
e
""""
Recipe Book in English/ Hindi/Gujerati/
Tamil/Telegu/ Malayalam/Bengali (delete the languages not required).
r
I enclose a 15 nP stamp for postage.
Mr./Mrs./Miss
Address
ORANGE • BANANA
STRAWBERRY • LEMON
RASPBERRY • VANILLA
To Dept.
Corn Products Co. (India) Private Ltd.,
P.O. Box 994, Bomay- 1
t.
.CORN PRODUCTS CO. (INDIA) PRIVATE LTD.
Agents for India: Parry and Company Ltd.
THE HERALD OF HEALTH, MARCH
1960
35
Children's Train
(Continued from inside front cover.)
The station is a miniature model constructed
entirely on modern lines. It has a canteen, waiting
hall, retiring room, and a picturesque little platform.
The entire building is beautifully designed. The Lilliput locomotive is 25 feet long--a third of the length
of a normal engine—and weighs less than nine tons.
The 15-inch gauge railway has all the features of a
regular railway system such as a tunnel, bridge, signals,
level crossing, gradients, carriage shed, turntable and
a water column. The train is run by the children
themselves.
The centre has the appearance of a fairyland,
all the miniature things being managed and run
by children. And indeed it is only a fairyland of
dreams for the thousands of children who live too
far away to come and enjoy the pleasures it affords.
Run by children themselves.
Minimum cost per ticket.
Picturesque and beautiful.
Registered No. B-1886. Pak. No. L-5668.