Infectious diseases, such as Typhoid and Scarlatina, are frequently
conveyed by cow's milk. There is also reason to believe that in certain
cases of Tuberculosis the infection has been conveyed by milk from
tuberculous cows. These risks can only be absolutely avoided by
sterilising the milk, _i.e._, by placing the jug in a pan of water and
bringing the water to the boil, keeping it so for twenty minutes. If
the milk is kept covered, and rapidly cooled by placing in another pan
of cold water, but little boiled taste will be felt. Sometimes,
however, sterilised milk disagrees with an infant; if so, the strictest
watch must be kept on the history of the milk used.
It should be remembered that this disease is not hereditary. It is only
the delicacy of constitution predisposing to the disease that is
inherited. This delicacy may, especially in childhood, be remedied. We
have known hundreds of tender children made strong by liberal daily
MASSAGE (_see_). In all cases where hereditary weakness is feared this
should be resorted to. In many cases nothing more is needed to banish
consumption out of families than the stimulation of the skin by this
massage. Wearing linen underwear (_see_ Underwear) also assists in this
direction and prevents chills. As it is of prime importance to increase
the chest capacity, and this is most easily done in youth, great
attention should be paid to chest expanding exercises (_see_ Appendix)
and deep breathing. The cultivation of singing will greatly help.
Consumption, Treatment of.--Turning now to the case when consumption
has actually shown itself, the above treatment is exactly the course to
be pursued. But we would emphasise the fact that unlimited fresh air
and good nourishing foods are the only cure. If the patient can afford
it, it is best to go to one of the Sanatoria for consumptives in order
that he may see how the fresh air cure is practically carried out. It
means simply breathing every mouthful of air as pure as it can possibly
be obtained. Sleeping out in a hut, with the side completely open, and
with protection only from the rain, with abundance of clothing, and, if
necessary, hot-water jars to supply the required heat, is strongly
recommended, and every hour of the day, as far as possible, should be
spent in the open air, reclining or taking gentle exercise.
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