AT OUR HOMES . 2 09 



should not only be dusted out of doors, but be exposed as 

 well to wind and sun. The basement should be dry and 

 well lighted, and thoroughly ventilated. Its floors and walls 

 and foundations should be so constructed as not to harbor 

 rats, mice, or vermin of any sort. The experiences of the 

 human race long ago established the fact that cleanliness 

 in person and in the home not only contributes to comfort 

 and civilization, but is essential to health and well-being. 

 Boiling hot water for laundry uses, for washing dishes, and 

 for general household affairs, is a most effective disinfectant, 

 and the free use of soap contributes to the same end. 



Any consideration of the cost of living naturally has much 

 to do with food and clothing. Discussions in school of 

 food values and prices, supplementing home experiences, 

 very properly may emphasize the fact that there is often 

 great waste in the purchase of food supplies both in their 

 quality and in the quantity secured for the outlay made. 

 The choice of a wholesome and balanced diet is an important 

 topic of instruction in schools. Ignorance in this respect 

 usually results both in malnutrition and in thriftless living. 

 The wide variation in food values secured by different 

 people in return for the same outlay makes necessary some 

 elementary instruction in schools concerning the purchase 

 and preparation of foods. It is a matter of general good 

 health and well-being. Cheap cuts of meat, for instance, 

 may contain when properly cooked as much nourishment 

 as those more expensive. To substitute less expensive 

 foods for the more expensive ones, when the former furnish 

 just as much food value, is not only thrift but good common 

 sense. The practice of doing without tea and coffee is 

 not only a matter of economy, but it has the greater purpose 

 of promoting health. Neither tea nor coffee has any food 

 value, and other drinks may be provided that are free from 

 the harmful effects of caffeine. 

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