TO GUARD YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH

     Human families have enemies. The larger ones, such as Snakes and Tigers, are readily detected and warded off. These are not much of a problem, except in certain areas. We have many more dangerous enemies to worry about than these, enemies far too small to be seen without the aid of a powerful microscope. These are the enemies we call Germs. They are with us wherever we go, whether we live in a city or in the country. Many Germs are relatively harmless to the human body, others are violent, severe and deadly.

       Most germs are exceedingly small. In fact you would have to line up several thousand of them to make a line one inch long. The very smallest known as viruses cannot be seen even through a regular microscope. They can be seen only by the ultra-powerful electron microscope. But the diseases they cause, such as Polio and Smallpox are among the most serious known to man.

GERMS ALL AROUND US

        Germs are all around us, in the air we breathe, and often in the water we drink. They find their way into our food, usually because of poor methods of handling. Cooks and others who work around food are often responsible for contaminating food and spreading harmful diseases through whole communities. Nothing but total cleanliness should ever be allowed among those who prepare meals for your family.

        Most germs can grow only in warm, moist places, such as the creases in the skin, the palms of the hands, and around the rectum and genital areas. It is important for all of us to wash our hands frequently and bathe the whole body thoroughly every day. This will help to protect us from serious infections. We should also be sure to clean our teeth and gums, brushing them carefully two or three times every day.

SUNLIGHT KILLS GERMS QUICKLY

       Nearly all germs die quickly when exposed to direct rays of the Sun. Nothing is more powerful than Sunlight in ridding the community of germs. The sensible home-maker will see to it that her house is well ventilated and thoroughly aired each day. Allow the Sun's rays to fall directly on the floors in each room as often as possible. Blankets and other bedding should be frequently placed in the Sunshine. Tuberculosis germs are often found in the dust of the street, mostly because of spitting or other objectionable habits. They are often brought into the house on people's feet. But they are very dangerous, especially to young children crawling around on the floor.

         All floors should be swept and thoroughly cleaned every day. Everyone who comes into your house brings in some germs. Most of these are not dangerous, but a few if given the chance may be destructive enough to cause serious illness. The traditional Eastern custom of removing one's street shoes and washing one's feet before entering a house has much to recommend it. Cleanliness is absolutely essential to health. Clean hands, clean bodies, and clean homes are the very basis of civilization.



ANIMALS ALSO CARRY DISEASE GERMS

        Disease germs may enter your home in other ways. They may be carried in on the feet and bodies of domestic animals. Mice and rats sometimes spread dangerous germs, including those that cause Plague and Typhus. Flies are particularly dangerous, for they carry the germs of Typhoid, Dysentery, Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. Even birds that migrate from one part of the country to another may carry germs and viruses that cause serious epidemics. 

       Germs are a real menace to the human race. Whenever a major emergency arises, such as an earthquake or other disaster, the first thing the public health authorities are concerned about is the preservation of a good water-supply and the proper disposal of sewage and other refuse. This is imperative if the community is to be kept free from epidemic diseases. The same concerns affect our ordinary ways of life. We ourselves are each responsible for our own health.