OCR Text |
Show BEPOBT OP THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN APFAW. 3 To get accurate information of the extent to which tuberculosis exists at schools and on the reservations aud to devise ways and means for its prevention and treatment, Dr. Joseph A. Murphy, of Washington, D. C., an expert in the treatment of this disease, wps appointed medical supervisor. Doctor Murphy haa made a thorough investigation of several of the larger schools and of some of the Indian reservations. Hi expert examination of pupils and other Indians has given the office an invaluable masa of data on which to base its campaign. In addition to statistical work of this ohazacter, the medical super-visor has rendered important service in drawing the attention of the medical staff to the necessity for a complete understanding of the physical requirements of the Indian, and then in adapting our edua-tiond work to the paramount consideration of his health. He has saeured a better classification of tubercular af3ictions, a more ex& segregation of dected pupils on the basis of the degrse of infdion with which each is suffering, improvement in sleeping conditions and the addition of sleeping porches to hospitals for outdoor treatment st the sohods, closer surveillance of the physical hedth of pupils, a more intelligent compnhension of diseases by the children themselves, and a more rigid accountability of examining physicians in passing pupils for transfer from reservation to nonreservation schools. Trachoma, an eye disease, has been found prevalent among the Indiam of the Southwest. Wlthin the last few years it haa mde rapid progress among both whites and Indians. At several schools it existed to so alarming an extent that Congress, on the appeal of this office, gave $12,000 for the purpose of its investigation and treat-ment. This enabled the immediate employment of a skilled surgeon and specialist, a special nurse, and an active campaign against the disease. Unfortunately, medical science has not given us a com-plete sohtion of the problems involved in this terrible affliction of the human eye, but enough is known of its character and treatment to enable us to make a good fight. Recreation of pupils and a proper balancing of work and play in the several schools has been made an important part of the health programme, and the Indian's inherited need of fresh air has been met by encouraging football, baseball, basket ball, and other forms of outdoor amusement. Some of the particular lines of attack which will be pushed in this vigorous battle are: 1. Better nourishment. 2. More sanitary conditions in schoolrooms, dormitories, laun-dries, etc. 3. A complete sterilization of dishes. 4. A revision of the methods of sweeping and dusting. 5. A complete fumigation of all schools and school books. |