HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 51 



SUMMARY 



Sanitary regulations and pure food laws in late years have become 

 more and more matters of importance. There is need of the strictest 

 supervision over all sources of the food supply, and over the manner of 

 preparation and sale of foods. The rigid enforcement of all regulations 

 affecting public health has become imperative. 



The food supply of a family to-day is very largely from sources 

 outside the home, and it has been handled by persons unknown. The 

 purchaser cannot be expected to know how it has been prepared and 

 cared for. Wholly unfit materials may have been put up in an attrac- 

 tive form for sale; chemicals destructive of health may have been used; 

 and substances of inferior quality may have been introduced as 

 adulterants. 



In order to preserve foods for long periods in condition fit for use, 

 they are salted, smoked, preserved in sugar, or kept at or below freezing 

 temperature. All these conditions hinder the multiplication of the 

 germs that cause decay in organic matter. Where foodstuffs are 

 canned the materials are sterilized at a high temperature, and are then 

 sealed air-tight in cans to prevent the entrance of germs. 



Ice cream that has been allowed to melt may be refrozen, but the 

 refreezing does not destroy products of decay in it. Serious and even 

 fatal results as ptomaine posioning may follow the use of foods con- 

 taining the products of decay. 



Instruction in the schools is concerned with whatever affects the 

 public health as well as that of individuals. It should contribute 

 toward an enlightened citizenship that will enforce laws and regula- 

 tions for the welfare of community life. 



Exercises 



1. What constitutes being temperate in one's living? 



2. Distinguish between bacteria and other "microbes." 



3. In what ways does the multiplying of bacteria (or protozoa) within a 

 person's body cause sickness, and bring about a diseased state? 



4. Account for the certain "periods" through which different diseases run? 

 What may be the explanation of a relapse, or a recurrence of the same 

 ailment with all the original symptoms? 



6. Give general definitions of (a) virus; (b) serum; (c) vaccination; (d) 

 inoculation. 



6. What is it to be immune to any disease? How is immunity explained? 



7. What is an antitoxin? Explain its remedial effects. 



