476 Our Surroundings 



popular education in regard to the value of ventilation, proper 

 preparation and use of good food, care in regard to adequate rest 

 and to recreation in the open air, and the habit of watchfulness to 

 prevent accidents will always be found most effective. The pre- 

 vention of disease and the preservation of national health and 

 vitality depend on the efforts of each individual citizen, who 

 should aid just as much as possible. He should know and prac- 

 tice the laws of good health. As a good citizen, he should be 

 familiar with and should carefully observe community health 

 regulations. 



SUMMARY 



Great efforts are now being made to lengthen human life by 

 the prevention of disease. This is accomplished by controlling 

 germs and harmful parasites, by insuring fresh air, pure water, 

 and pure foods, by medical inspection, by proper sewage dis- 

 posal, by restricting the use of alcohol and narcotics, by emphasis 

 on industrial hygiene, by restricting the employment of children, 

 and by the enforcement of general health regulations. 



The control of bacterial diseases is brought about by per- 

 sonal cleanliness, by quarantine of those sick with contagious 

 diseases, by the destruction of germ-carrying animals, and by 

 sanitary conditions, especially in public places. 



The safeguarding of water and of milk supplies is emphasized 

 because these fluids easily carry germs. Milk is often protected 

 by pasteurization, a heating process. 



Proper clothing protects health. 



The health of industrial workers is increasingly protected by 

 regulations governing hours of labor and sanitary working con- 

 ditions. 



The health of school children is protected by sanitary school 

 buildings and by strict medical inspection, leading to early dis- 

 covery and treatment of disease. The eyes, ears, nose, throat, 

 and teeth are given special attention. 



In modern aseptic surgery, operations are made under as 

 nearly germless conditions as possible. 



The loyal cooperation of all citizens with health officials is 

 essential to disease prevention. 



