SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
251 
Besides having a pitcher of fresh water and a glass 
where it may be easily reached, always put a glass of 
fresh cool water on the tray when food or medicine are 
brought. While ice water is bad for both sick and well 
people, the water should be cool enough to be agreeable 
and refreshing. Water that is chilled to the right tempera- 
ture by being kept in the ice chest, bottled, is preferable. 
It should be drunk slowly and not gulped down. Water 
standing in .the room should be kept covered at all times. 
Feeding Helpless Patients 
A patient is often so weak that she cannot lift her 
head in order to eat. In this case she would be given 
liquids through straws or by spoon or “feeder.” Some- 
times by putting a small quantity of liquid in a glass, two 
tablespoonfuls, a patient is enabled to drink without 
spilling a drop. 
If necessary, slip one hand under the pillow, raise 
the head a little, holding the glass to the lips with the 
other. Anyone lying down should take food very slowly. 
If solid, it should be cooked, especially well, as there is 
danger of choking. 
Tubes should be washed immediately after using. If 
used continuously they should be cleaned with a tube 
brush made for that purpose. Straws should be burned 
or destroyed. If feeding with a spoon, be careful that 
neither the food nor the spoon burns the lips or mouth. 
Feed slowly and a little at a time, allowing plenty of 
time between mouthfuls. 
Occupying and Amusing the Sick 
When people are recovering from an illness, or when 
they are what we call chronic invalids, they often enjoy 
and are helped by being amused or occupied. At this 
time a Girl Scout may be very helpful. First of all, she 
should be cheerful herself. Then she should be able to 
