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SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
taken by the first member of the family to take cold, it 
would seldom spread through the family. 
When people around you have colds, avoid getting 
close to them,, gargle often, take deep breaths of fresh 
air whenever possible, wash your hands often and keep 
them away from your nose and mouth. 
You do not need to be told that the handkerchief used 
by anyone with a cold is full of germs. It should be 
kept from touching other things and should never be 
left lying around. 
If, at the first signs of a cold, a good dose of castor 
oil is taken, a glass of hot lemonade and a hot bath be- 
fore going to bed, a cold may be “broken up,” as we say. 
In mild weather, the windows may be left open, but if 
the weather is very cold it is better to air the room from 
another room, in order to keep an even temperature, but 
there should be good ventilation. 
If the throat is sore, gargling and a cold compress to 
the neck will bring relief. If there is fever and headache, 
you have already been told what to do. Anyone with 
a cold should eat very lightly and drink plenty of water. 
They should be as quiet as possible and get all the rest 
and sleep possible. 
Camphorated or plain vaseline may be put in the nos- 
trils, and if there is a cough, plain vaseline may be taken 
internally— placed on the tongue at the back of the 
mouth. A spoonful of flaxseed tea taken as often as 
necessary to relieve irritation may bring relief. Inhala- 
tions are helpful in hoarseness. Never give any cough 
medicines except what are ordered by a doctor. 
If the symptoms continue after the first night it is 
advisable to call a doctor, as what seems a slight cold 
may be the beginning of a serious illness, as measles, 
scarlet fever, pneumonia, etc. If there is earache, rapid 
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