318 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



a skilled nurse are often forced for this or other reasons to 

 depend upon one or more of a large family of children to 

 help in the sick room. 



Pupils should learn, therefore, at school such things 

 about taking care of the sick as may be easily understood. 

 Such practical knowledge is invaluable, for it may be put 

 to a test at any moment. Aside from the satisfaction in 

 having this knowledge is the opportunity so often afforded 

 to give substantial help to those who need it in times of 

 sickness and suffering. 



438. The Proper Location of the Sick Room. The sick 

 room should be the lightest and most pleasant room in 

 the house. Some one of the family may be taken sick in 

 some inconvenient room. If there is a prospect of a long 

 illness, and it is possible, get a room ready at once on a 

 quiet and sunny side of the house. 



Take away all extra carpets, upholstered furniture, heavy 

 curtains, etc. A clean floor, with a few rugs to deaden the 

 footsteps, is much better than a woolen carpet. Carpets, 

 extra clothing, etc., only absorb impurities and make the 

 room foul. 



439. Need of Fresh Air and Sunlight. The sick room 

 should have plenty of fresh air and sunlight. It is generally 

 best to shade the room somewhat in certain diseases, but 

 we should let in all the sunlight consistent with comfort. 

 Sunlight and fresh air are often more efficient helps than 

 drugs. They cost nothing but a little painstaking and 

 common sense. 



With a little care every sick room may be supplied with 

 pure air. If you cannot do anything else, cover the sick 

 person all over with extra bedclothes, open the windows 

 and doors, and fan out the bad air by swinging the doors. 



