Section 14
Birth and Children

BED-WETTING—1 (Enuresis)

SYMPTOMS—A child continues to wet the bed.

CAUSES—Bed wetters tend to have a small bladder capacity; this makes it difficult for them to go through the night without voiding. They also tend to urinate more frequently during the day.

Here are the frequency statistics: 50% wet by the age of 2; 10-15% by 4; 4% at 12. Boys do it more frequently than girls, but girls can develop urinary tract infections from it.

A primary cause of bed-wetting is allergy. Their parents are more likely to have hives, hay fever, urinary tract infection, food allergies, or drug allergies.

Food allergies in the children are responsible for many cases. The most frequent problem foods were cow's milk (60% of the time), chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, wheat, grains, corn, chicken, meat, peanuts, and fish. You would need to do pulse tests, to determine the problem food (see "Pulse Test").

Hyperactive children tend to be bed wetters.

Constipation may at times be involved, by pressing on the bladder.

Some children, especially older ones, continue to wet the bed because of tensions they live under in the home or at school.

Removing milk from the diet reduced bed wetting in 50% of a group being studied.

Anemia, pinworms, upper respiratory tract infections, or any toxic condition can be contributing factors.

TREATMENT—

• Consider all the above factors.

• A common method is to have the child stop and start the flow of urine each time he urinates. This causes him to acquire better mental control of the function. This may solve the problem in as little as six weeks.

• Spanking the child is not the solution! Do not praise and do not punish. The child does not do it on purpose, and he is sorry. Just change the bed and do not say a word. —But keep working on possible solutions listed here. No child wants to do it.

• The child should be encouraged to have vigorous outdoor exercise. (It is known that bed wetters wet less during the summer months, and some who have stopped may return to it in the winter.)

• In children over 10, limit the amount of fluid intake after 5 p.m. at night, until several months after bed-wetting ceases.

• Bed-wetting alarms can be purchased. They often wake up everyone at night, but are often supposed to accomplish the task within 60 days.

• Victory is said to come with 21 days of consecutive dry nights.

—For incontinence in adults, see "Bed-wetting—2" and "Incontinence."

ENCOURAGEMENT—While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better. He has said, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." "My grace is sufficient for thee."

BED-WETTING—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

IMPROVE GENERAL AND LOCAL NERVE TONE—Cold Pail Pour at 75⁰ F. at bedtime, followed by Neutral Pail Pour to spine, 2 minutes, 96⁰ F. Sea bathing and swimming, if this is available. Avoid water drinking for 2 hours before retiring. Aseptic dietary. Meats and salts especially to be avoided.

RELIEVE CONSTIPATION—and flatulence when present by Hot Abdominal Pack; Graduated Enema; if necessary, carefully Graduated Cold Baths; Cool Enema; and proper diet.

DIMINISH ACIDITY OF URINE—by free use of fruit and water drinking in the forenoon.

—Also see "Bed-wetting—1."

COLIC IN CHILDREN

SYMPTOMS—The child cries out, pulls the knees up to the stomach, and has a distended stomach. His stomach and/or intestines hurt.

CAUSES—Pressure from gas moving upward or downward causes pain. The cause is usually improper food or constipation. Indigestion is the most frequent cause.

TREATMENT—

• Put into bed, and give warm catnip tea in a bottle.

— Also see “Colic in Infants.”

ENCOURAGEMENT—True happiness is found in learning of Christ and living for Him. Those who take Christ at His Word and surrender their soul to His keeping will find peace and quietude.

RINGWORM

SYMPTOMS—Small, flat, red, slightly elevated ring or oval-shaped sores, which may be crusted, dry, scaly, or moist. The centers of the sores heal as the sores spread outward. The result is an infected ring. Itching, burning, or pain may be present. The lesions appear to be circular. The area is often covered with small blisters.

When the scalp is affected, the hair falls out in circular patches. The fingers can also be affected.

CAUSES—Ringworm is a very contagious disease, caused by a parasitic fungus. It can infect children or adults, and is caused by unsanitary conditions. Keep the hands clean! Pet the dog and then rub your face, and you may regret it.

Ringworm of the beard (face) is more persistent than ringworm of the scalp. Ringworm of the body is the easiest to eliminate.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, children, and contaminated clothing are generally the carriers of the disease.

There are several different types of ringworm, all of which are of fungal origin:

Ringworm of the scalp - This can be on the scalp, face, and on the nails, is the most noticeable kind. It is highly contagious, and often found on school-children. It frequently induces baldness, which may become permanent if hair shafts are destroyed by the fungus.

Ringworm of the trunk - This includes “jockey itch,” and is spread by contact with people or their clothing. Dogs and cats can also spread it.

Ringworm of the nails - This consists of a fungus growing under the nails. It produces thickened, misshapen, brittle, discolored, chalky, pitted, or grooved nails. The nails can either be on the hands or the feet. This type of ringworm is quite difficult to eliminate.

Ringworm of the feet - This is also known as athlete's foot (see "Athlete's Foot").

TREATMENT—

• Vitamins A, E, and zinc are important.

• Put plantain and castor oil on the affected area.

• Place ultraviolet light on the area for at least 6 minutes a day. This can be sunlight, or a sunlamp. Never place a sunlamp closer than 18 inches from the skin.

• Apply apple cider vinegar to the area several times a day.

• Equally useful is castor oil, goldenseal tea, and borax. Rub the area with borax and with castor oil.

• A 3-day citrus fast is very helpful, cleansing the bowels daily. Follow this with a nutritious diet.

• Eat plenty of garlic. Put raw garlic over the ringworm and cover. You can also use black walnut extract. Wash the area with garlic juice or wormwood.

• Place freshly cut garlic 3 times a day on the area. This is a very good remedy. Blend the garlic with a little water and apply as a soak, compress, or poultice. But this remedy is too powerful to apply to raw flesh between the toes; it can burn lower layers of skin.

• Take 2 chaparral or wormwood capsules daily.

• The scalp can be shampooed with tar soap and borax. Moisten the area every morning and evening with goldenseal (1 teaspoon) and myrrh (½ teaspoon), which has been steeped in a pint of boiling water.

• An herb tea can also be taken internally: goldenseal or plantain, twice a day.

• Make a salve from equal parts of burdock root, chaparral, wormwood, and chickweed; apply to the area. Some of it can also be made into a tea to drink in order to fight the fungus internally.

• Keep the skin clean and dry. Ringworm likes damp skin. Take frequent baths, but dry thoroughly each time. Rub briskly with a towel, to remove the outer dead layers of skin that the ringworm initially attacks.

• Do not scratch. Keep fingernails cut short, to lessen accidental scratching and spreading of the infection.

• To remove crusts, soak the area in a saline solution. An alternate method is to apply moist cloths for 10-15 minutes, 3 times a day.

• To treat nails: Pare and scrape the infected area, and try to remove as much of the loose material beneath the nails. Apply vinegar with a Q-tip twice a day. Keep at it, even though it may require months to eliminate. Fungus of the nails is the slowest to conquer.

—Also see "Athlete's Foot," which is a type of ringworm fungus.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Nothing of the world can make you sad, when you have submitted your heart to be molded by the Spirit of Christ. He alone can provide you with the answers you need.

CHILDHOOD DISEASES

SYMPTOMS—Fevers, rashes, coughs, sore throat, weakness, etc.

CAUSES—The childhood diseases include chicken pox, measles, mumps, German measles (rubella), rheumatic fever, whooping cough, and scarlet fever (all of which see).

Most of these common childhood diseases are contracted by nearly all children. Some experience only mild cough or cold while others have serious cases. A few receive permanent damage.

If the child is receiving excellent nutrition— exercise, rest, sunshine, fresh air, etc.—he is unlikely to experience serious difficulty with these diseases. Louis Pasteur, developer of the germ theory of disease, said, "The germ is nothing; it is the soil that matters." If the person is living a good life, the germ has a hard time obtaining a foothold.

Avoid excess milk and carbohydrates, especially refined ones. Avoid sugar, fried food, and junk food.

Include vitamin and mineral supplements in a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and similar natural foods.

A well-fed child will usually be strong enough to resist the onslaught of childhood diseases. He may contract them; but the case will not be serious, usually brief, and often mild.

TREATMENT—

• Give a liquid diet in the acute stages, followed by fruits and vegetables later. Do not suppress the fever with drugs. Use water therapy treatments, to help the body fight the infection. The bowels must be kept open by means of herbal enemas and, if needed, herbal laxatives.

• Treat the kidneys and bowels, so they can keep discharging toxins. Sweating therapy can be used, to bring waste products out through the skin.

• Garlic is helpful, along with the fruit and vegetable juices, and herb teas.

• Vitamins A and C, with bioflavonoids, in abundant amounts is needed.

• Never, never, give aspirin to a child or youth who has a fever! It can lead to Reye's disease (which see) which can cause irreversible coma or death.

• This is what happens: The child has a fever, and aspirin is given. There is improvement for a day or two,—then a sudden turn for the worst, and coma or death follows.

—Also see "Reye's Syndrome."

ENCOURAGEMENT—Worry is blind and cannot discern the future; but, trusting in Jesus, you need not fear. Take His hand and He will lead you step by step.

TONSILLITIS—1, ADENITIS, STREP THROAT, AND QUINSY

SYMPTOMS—Inflammation and possible infection of the tonsils and the adenoids. If streptococcal bacteria have caused the infection, it is called strep throat. There is a sore throat with fever, lack of appetite, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, nasal obstruction and discharge. The lymph glands may become swollen. Symptoms continue for 24-72 hours, and then gradually subside over 7-10 days. The tonsils may look red and enlarged, and pus may be observed.

CAUSES—The tonsils and adenoids are glands containing lymphatic tissue, located in the upper throat. Both are part of the immune system; they protect the body, at the top of the gastrointestinal tract, against infection. Each tonsil contains 200 million lymphocytes. We will here primarily deal with tonsillitis; treatment for adenitis is essentially the same. Strep throat also has the same treatment.

When the body's resistance is lowered, viruses or bacteria (usually streptococcal) set to work. And a diet of processed and junk food, that is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, can also bring on this condition.

If streptococcal infection (strep throat) is not present, then the throat condition is eliminated much quicker.

If not cared for properly, strep throat can be potentially dangerous and can lead to rheumatic fever or meningitis.

Food allergies weaken the body: usually cow's milk, chocolate, or too much white-flour or sugar products. Cow's milk or wheat are the two primary allergens to beware of.

Antibiotics weaken the body more.

The more frequently this infection occurs, the more difficult it is to eliminate. The tonsils become scarred from previous inflammations.

Quinsy is peritonsillar abscess. It is an infection of the tonsil, between the tonsil and the pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The solution is not a tonsillectomy, but the care specified below.

TREATMENT—

• Cold applications to the throat may bring relief and shorten the high point of the infection. This could be an ice collar or flannel wrung out of cold water and changed frequently.

• Hot salt-water gargles will help. To increase blood circulation in the throat, do alternate hot and cold gargling.

• Gargle with goldenseal tea, drinking it as you do this (1 cup 3-4 times a day).

• Place a heating compress on the throat at other times. Put a strip of cotton sheet, dipped and wrung out of cold water, in a strip of dry wool on his throat.

• Give a hot footbath, along with hot (5 minutes) and cold (5 minutes) cloths to the throat (2-3 times daily). Finish with a cold mitten friction to the whole body. Then immediately put into a warm bed and let him rest.

• Drink plenty of liquids. Fresh juices are the best. Drink fruit and vegetable juices, green drink, and lots of water. Avoid sugar, processed and junk food. A cleansing juice fast, alternated with vegetable broths, for 3 days is helpful. Lemon or lime juice in warm water with honey and ginger will help the cleansing process. Peppermint tea will help settle the stomach.

• Maintain a high intake of vitamin C. It powerfully fights the infection and also produces interferon which does the same. With the light meals, include vitamin A, selenium, and zinc.

• Let him dissolve a charcoal tablet several times a day. It will both soothe the throat and combine with toxins.

• Catnip tea enemas are good for fevers.

• Golden seal, echinacea, and garlic act as antibiotics. Tee tree oil helps heal the throat infection. Fenugreek and comfrey loosens the mucous and carries it out of the body.

• A ¼ teaspoon of lobelia extract, swallowed every 2 hours, will help alleviate fever, pain, and swelling.

• Avoid people who smoke. Children whose parents are smokers have very high rates of tonsil infections.

—Also see "Tonsillitis—2" and "Adenoids."

ENCOURAGEMENT—Strength for today, courage for tomorrow, trusting Christ and obeying Him, we can have all this and more.

TONSILLITIS—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

(1) ACUTE FORM —

DIETARY FACTORS—Rest in bed, keep room a uniform temperature, spare diet consisting chiefly of fruits, avoid meats of all sorts, copious water drinking.

GENERAL CARE—Hot Blanket Pack; sweating Wet Sheet Pack; Steam Bath; Radiant Heat Bath; Hot Full Bath, followed by Dry Pack or other sweating procedures once daily, followed by Cold Mitten Friction, Cold Wet Sheet Rub, or Cold Douche. Fomentation to the throat 3 times daily; Cold Compress between, changed every 15-30 minutes. Enema if bowels are inactive. Hot gargle every few minutes if throat is very sensitive. Ice Bag to throat if inflammation is intense. Inhalation of soothing vapors; use of steam inhaler 10-14 minutes hourly or almost continuously. If tonsil suppurates (pusses), it should be lanced. See your doctor.

(2) CHRONIC FORM —

CLERGYMAN'S SORE THROAT DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE—Aseptic dietary, out-of-door life, open air gymnastics, swimming.

GENERAL CARE—Fomentations to throat at bedtime, followed by throat pack (Cold Compress) during the night; hot gargle 3 times a day. Radiant Heat Bath; sweating Wet Sheet Pack; Steam Bath or other sweating bath, 3 times weekly, followed by suitable cold application. Daily Cold Bath on rising. Moist Abdominal Bandage to be worn during the night. If necessary, remove tonsils and vegetations in throat or postnasal region.

—See also "Tonsillitis—1."

ADENOIDS (Adenoid Hypertrophy)

SYMPTOMS—It hurts at the back of the child's throat. When he opens his mouth, the area of the tonsils appears red and swollen.

CAUSES—What is commonly called adenoids is enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil, which is a tissue close to the tonsils. This infection frequently occurs in children.

TREATMENT—

• Do a 3-5 day fast on diluted citrus juices. Follow this with a careful diet.

• Three times a day, give herb teas such as red clover, sassafras, and burdock root.

• Gargle several times a day with goldenseal tea. Echinacea and myrrh are very good for all glandular swellings.

— Also see "Tonsillitis" and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—Jesus sees the end from the beginning. He can plan for you better than you can plan for yourself.

CHICKENPOX (Varicella Zoster, Pox)

SYMPTOMS—Small, round pimples on the face and body, filled with fluid and appearing like water blisters. As the fluid leaks, it forms a crust.

CAUSES—Chickenpox is a viral disease, which first manifests itself as a fever and headache, 7-21 days after exposure. The eruptions continue in cycles from 3-7 days, and the disease generally runs its course in 14 days. It is communicable 1-2 days before the rash develops, until all the blister-like lesions have crusted (averaging 5-6 days).

Chickenpox mainly occurs between 2 and 8 years of age, and is much more severe if not contracted until one is an adult. If a pregnant mother has it in the first four months of pregnancy, birth defects are possible in the infant. Once you have had it, you generally have lifetime immunity. This is why chickenpox vaccines are dangerous. It is better to get the disease as a child when it is relatively harmless than to wait till adulthood to contract it.

Oddly enough, the same virus that causes chickenpox in children (varicella zoster) is the one which causes shingles (which see) in adults.

Chickenpox is transmitted by contact and by airborne droplets. Epidemics tend to occur in the winter and spring.

TREATMENT—

• Drink freshly made juices, with added protein powder and brewer's yeast. Drink vegetable broth.

• When the fever drops and appetite returns, give mashed bananas and fresh raw applesauce. Use a light fat-free, sugar-free, diet. You can give vitamin C to bowel tolerance.

• Catnip tea, with a little molasses, is good during the fever. If the child is over two, catnip tea enemas will help reduce the fever.

• The only real concern with childhood chickenpox is pock scarring. This may be minimized by several simple baths and applications. And, of course, do not scratch.

• To avoid scratching the pocks, keep the child's nails short, to minimize spreading of the infection. Have the child wear mittens or gloves, to avoid scratching—especially at night. Instead of scratching, apply pressure to the area. Bathe him often.

• Relieve itching with calamine lotion, moist baking soda, or starch baths. Vitamin E oil can be applied directly to each papule.

• A deep, warm, 15-minute bath at the onset of the disease will help the pox develop more rapidly. Keep the head cool. Do not let him become chilled.

• Each day, give a tepid bath, followed by a change of clothes and linens. Protect against chilling while bathing and other times. Chickenpox pneumonia can develop!

• Oatmeal baths are soothing, because they are alkaline. Put 1 pound of uncooked oatmeal (or 1 heaping cup of uncooked rolled oats, ground fine, in a blender) in a bag made of 2 thicknesses of old sheeting. Soften it with hot water and then float it in the bathtub or hang it, so the faucet will flow through it. You can use the bag to gently sponge the body. Pat dry when finished; do not rub.

• If needed, mix 1 level teaspoon of salt with 1 pint (2 cups) of water, and gargle with it.

• Avoid constipation.

• If you contract chickenpox as an adult, go on a fasting program of fruit and vegetable juices, interspersed with light meals.

• Keep the infected child away from newborn infants, elderly people, and pregnant women. They may not have had chickenpox before.

• Do not send the child back to school until all lesions have finished being crusted.

• Antibiotics and corticosteroids do not help in any way, and should not be given.

• Do not give aspirin! About 10% of Reye's syndrome (which see) cases occur after chickenpox, as a result of aspirin dosages. Reye's can cause irreversible coma or death.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Guard against the tendency to forget God. You dare not do this. He is the only one who can give you the help you need every day.

MUMPS—1

SYMPTOMS—Swelling of one or both salivary glands, fever (up to 104^o F.), chills, headache, sore throat, and pain when swallowing or chewing. Swelling often occurs in one gland first, and then begins in the other as swelling in the first subsides. But it may occur on only one side.

CAUSES—Mumps is an infection of the salivary (parotid) glands, located in front of, and below, each ear. It rarely occurs before 3 years of age or after 40. Either direct contact or droplets spread the disease.

Mumps is not as contagious as chickenpox or measles. But a person with the disease is still contagious from 48 hours, before symptoms develop, to 6 days afterward. Incubation is 14 to 21 days.

One bout and lifetime immunity generally follows.

If it is acquired after puberty, the ovaries or testes may become involved and sterility may result. Other complications can also occur, which affect the heart, kidneys, and brain.

If no complications occur, complete recovery generally occurs within about 10 days.

Swollen salivary glands can be caused by several other diseases: A partial list includes cirrhosis of the liver, leukemia, lupus, and tuberculosis (all of which are dealt with in this book). It also includes strep throat and the taking of certain drugs. If it is an isolated case of "mumps," it might actually be something else.

TREATMENT—

• Keep the diet simple, fat-free, and sugar-free. Avoid foods that require chewing or might be irritating. Eat mostly raw fruits and vegetables that are juiced or softened.

• Drink plenty of pure water and fresh juices. This will keep the body working well, help flush toxins, and render it less likely that complications may occur.

• Do not eat junk food of any type. Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, soft drinks, etc. Avoid acidic foods, such as pickles or citrus fruits.

• To relieve pain, cold or warm compresses (whichever feels best) may be placed on the neck and over the glands. But avoid hot or icy cold applications.

• If nausea and/or pain on swallowing becomes so severe that the person becomes unable to eat, intravenous administration of dextrose and fluids may be needed.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")

—Also see "Mumps—2" and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—"What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul." Deuteronomy 10:12.

MUMPS—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

GENERAL—Cold Mitten Friction or Cold Towel Rub 24 times a day. Neutral Bath for one hour, daily; copious water drinking.

TO COMBAT LOCAL INFLAMMATION—Hot Blanket Pack followed by Heating or Sweating Wet Sheet Pack, continued 1-2 hours. Repeat the application twice a day. Fomentation over the affected parts every 2 hours for 15 minutes, followed by Heating Compress at 60⁰F., to be changed every 10 minutes or as soon as warm; Ice Bag over swollen glands until active inflammation is subdued. Remove ice every half hour and apply Fomentation for 5 minutes.

HEADACHE—Cool Compress.

NOSE BLEED—Ice to back of neck; Hot Compress over face; ice to hands; elevate hands to vertical position, if necessary; Hot Footbath or Hot Leg Pack; very Hot Nasal Douche.

DIARRHEA—Enema at 95⁰ F. after each bowel movement. Abdominal Bandage at 60⁰ F., renewed every 15-30 minutes. If pain is present, Fomentation to abdomen for 15 minutes or until it is relieved, every 2 hours; large Hot Enema to empty colon if due to fecal accumulation.

VOMITING—Ice over stomach or spine opposite the stomach or Hot and Cold Compress over stomach; ice pills; sipping very hot water.

EARACHE—Ice Bag to neck of the same side; Fomentation over ear; Hot Ear Douche, if necessary. Protect the ear with warm cotton, to prevent chilling by evaporation after treatment.

CONVULSIONS—Hot Blanket Pack or Hot Immersion at 105⁰-108⁰ F., with cold to the head (Cold Compress, Ice Bag, Ice Cap, etc.).

INFLAMMATION OF THE BREAST—Fomentation over the breast for 15 minutes every 3 hours. During interval between, apply a Heating Compress at 60⁰ F., that is renewed every 15-30 minutes. Hot Pack to arm of the same side. Hot Hip and Leg Pack for derivative effect if pain is severe.

INFLAMMATION OF TESTICLE—Ice Compress covering entire genitals and inner surfaces of thighs with simultaneous Hot Hip and Leg Pack for 30 minutes. Repeat every 4 hours. During interval between, apply Heating Compress at 60⁰ F. in place of the Ice Compress, renewed every 15 minutes.

— Also see "Mumps—1."

MEASLES—1 (Rubeola)

SYMPTOMS—First symptoms are fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and inflammation of the eyes. The eyes may become red and sensitive to light. Within 24-48 hours, small red spots with white centers appear on the insides of the cheeks. A rash appears 3-5 days later on the sides of the neck, forehead, and ears; then it spreads over 5-7 days to the rest of the body. As it spreads, the fever subsides.

CAUSES—There are two types of measles: common measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella; which see). Common measles is highly contagious, and spread by droplets from the nose, throat, and mouth. At the present time, adolescents and young adults are affected more often than children. If the person was previously healthy, the disease will pass within 10 days.

But it can be followed by one of several serious complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, croup, middle-ear infection, meningitis, encephalitis, or injury to the nervous system.

So be very careful, during the disease and for a time afterward. Eat right; live right. Get lots of rest for a time. Take it easy.

Approximately 98% of the population have had common measles. Lifelong immunity follows the infection.

TREATMENT—

• He should be isolated in a room which is well-ventilated. If he is sensitive to light, darken the room. He should not read or watch television. Keep the lights dim.

• Drink plenty of water and fruit and vegetable juices.

• Fevers increase the body's need for calories and vitamins A and C. He should be encouraged, but not forced, to eat. Frequent small meals of nourishing food may be best.

• Avoid processed foods.

• Rest until the rash and fever have disappeared.

• Garlic or catnip tea enemas help lower fever.

• If a cough is present, cool moisture from a vaporizer may help. But water given copiously is the best cough medicine.

• A hot bath may help reduce the fever. Place the child in a hot tub (105^o-108^o F.) for one minute for each year of his age. Keep the head cool. This may be repeated every 2 hours. Dress him warmly afterward, so chilling does not occur.

• Bronchitis may occur, and can be treated with hot fomentations to the chest. Apply them twice a day, along with a hot footbath. A heating compress can be applied at night.

• Helpful herbs include yarrow, pleurisy root, and marigold.

• Antibiotics are useless against measles and do not decrease the likelihood of complications. But it could be used, in an emergency, if complications occur.

• Complications can be serious, but are unlikely in the developed nations. Most such problems stem from secondary bacterial infection, primarily middle-ear infection or pneumonia. But special care and vigorous use of simple natural remedies can generally deal with them.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")

— Also see "Measles—2," "Measles, German," and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—In this life, we will encounter many difficulties and trials; but, if we will make God the center of our lives, He will wonderfully work to help us through our problems.

MEASLES—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

MAINTAIN GENERAL RESISTANCE—Wet Sheet Pack, Graduated Bath.

PREVENT LUNG COMPLICATIONS—Fomentation to chest twice a day, Chest Pack during interval between.

NASO-PHARYNGEAL IRRITATION—Apply light very Hot Compresses to the face. Inhale vapor of water and also aromatic oils and balsams. Fomentation to the throat every 2 hours; Heating Compress during the interval between, changing every 15 minutes at first, less frequently later.

INFLAMMATION OF MIDDLE EAR—Ice to throat of same side, Fomentation over ear.

HEMORRHAGIC FORM—Hot Blanket Pack or short Hot Full Bath, followed by Heating Wet Sheet Pack. Repeat every 3-4 Hours. Prolonged Neutral Bath at 95⁰-93⁰ F.

BRONCHIAL CATARRH—Fomentation to chest, Cold Towel Rub, or Cold Mitten Friction twice daily, Heating Chest Pack night and day.

LOBAR PNEUMONIA and BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA—Fomentation for pain and irritable cough, repeated every 2-3 hours; Cold Compress during interval, at 60⁰ F., changing every 15-30 minutes; Hot Hip and Leg Pack, if the local inflammation is severe (see "Pneumonia").

- For any of the following associated problems, see under their respective headings: Cough, Nosebleed, Inflammation of the Eye (or eyelids), Headache, Acute Nephritis (kidney inflammation).

—Also see "Measles—1."

MEASLES, GERMAN (Rubella)

SYMPTOMS—Fatigue, coughing, headache, mild fever, muscle aches, and stiffness in the neck. A pink rash often develops 1-5 days later. It generally first appears on the face and neck, and the spreads to the rest of the body.

CAUSES—As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of measles: common measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella). Which see. Common measles is highly contagious, can have serious complications if cautions are not taken, but usually passes within 10 days. (See "Measles.")

But German measles (rubella) is different in certain ways. It is usually a mild contagious illness with a rapid recovery period (5-7 days). But it is dangerous if a woman contracts it during the first trimester (first 3 months) of her pregnancy. Then she might give birth to a child with heart defects, deafness, mental retardation, or blindness.

Therefore a pregnant woman must guard against exposure to it.

TREATMENT—

• Follow treatment specified for common measles (see "Measles").

What precautions should a woman take?

• A pregnant woman must avoid exposure to German measles. The disease should be considered contagious from 1 week before the rash appears until 1 week after the rash fades.

• If she thinks she has been exposed to the disease, she can immediately see a physician and request that she be given a gamma-globulin injection. If given soon after exposure, it may reduce the severity of the disease or possibly prevent it from occurring.

• Immunity to German measles can be determined by a special blood test. She may wish to be vaccinated. If this is done, pregnancy must be avoided for 3 months following immunization.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")

—Also see "Measles" and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—God has given, in the Bible, sufficient evidence that it is from Him. Study and obey it, and God will guide you day by day as you pray for help.

SCARLET FEVER—1 (Scarlatina)

SYMPTOMS—Symptoms appear 2-7 days after exposure. Vomiting, along with sore throat and headache. Within a day, high fever develops. Throat membrane is inflamed, and soft palate may show a fine light-red rash.

The tongue is coated white, but on the second day reddened raised points show through, especially at the tip and sides.

The throat condition becomes more severe, with redness and enlargement of glands under lower jaw.

The rash usually begins on the chest within 1-2 days after the first symptoms, and later extends to other parts of the body and limbs. But infection can occur without a rash occurring.

CAUSES—Scarlet fever is an acute contagious disease and is caused by one of several different streptococci germs. Urine and discharges from nose, mouth, ears, and any abscesses are highly infectious. One attack generally brings lifelong immunity, and few contract it after the age of 15.

The fever usually does not remain high more than 4 days, and the rash fades within a week. The more intense the rash, the more scaling forms on the skin.

Inflammation of the ear is one of the most frequent complications of scarlet fever. The infection in the throat passes up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear (see "Earache and Infection"). Children can become deaf as a result.

The infection may extend from the ear to the mastoid cells in the bone behind the ear, or to the membranes covering the brain, or to both, producing mastoiditis (which see), brain abscess, or meningitis (which see). These conditions are serious and often fatal.

Rheumatic fever (which see) frequently follows scarlet fever, and this sometimes results in inflammation of the lining membranes and valves of the heart.

Enlargement of the lymph glands of the neck can turn into an abscess of these glands, as late as 5-6 weeks after the disease began.

In a child well-advanced toward recovery (especially in the third week), nephritis (which see; it is a kidney infection) can develop. So this is another danger to be warded off by proper treatment.

Scarlet fever is not a matter to be taken lightly.

You do well to call a physician, if possible. He may need to lance the middle ear if infection develops. He will probably examine the heart daily for indications of damage and do frequent urinalysis for signs of nephritis.

TREATMENT—

• Put him on a fruit and vegetable juice fast, followed by a simple diet of fruits, vegetables, and broths for a time.

• Inadequate care, improper food, and too early physical activity are the chief dangers.

• This is a contagious disease, so proper precautions must be taken.

• If the temperature goes above 103^o F., reduce it by means of tepid sponges.

• If there is a sore throat, apply hot fomentation twice a day to the area, followed by continuous heating compresses.

• When the rash begins to appear, give a long-continued hot footbath, along with hot drinks, all the while keeping him covered with blankets. The objective is to get him to sweat. But, afterward, guard against chilling!

• To help prevent kidney damage, when he goes back on food, eliminate eggs, meat, meat broths, and legumes from the diet. Give him only milk, cereals, fruit juices, pureed vegetables, and all the water he will drink.

• To hasten the scaling of the skin, and get it over with, give a daily sponge bath with warm water and mild soap, followed by an olive oil rub.

• Keep him in bed at least 3 weeks, even though he feels well! Muscular activity too soon can result in kidney damage.

• Helpful herbs include black rose, twinleaf, and bloodroot.

—Also see "Scarlet Fever—2."

ENCOURAGEMENT—God has boundless love and mercy toward us. You can find in Him the help you need. Only He can protect you from the evil one.

SCARLET FEVER—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

BUILD GENERAL RESISTANCE—Hot Blanket Pack, 3-8 minutes, followed by Cooling Wet Sheet Pack. (The cold sheet should be well-heated by him before removing it.) Or, the Hot Blanket Pack may be followed by Cold Towel Rub, Wet Sheet Rub in bed, or Tepid Pail Pour at 85^o-80^o F. while he sits in a bathtub. Avoid giving him a Cold Mitten Friction.

ELIMINATE TOXINS—Copious water drinking: water, fruit juices, fruit purees, etc.

REDUCE FEVER—Cooling Wet Sheet Pack; Hot Blanket Pack, followed by Cold towel Rub or Wet Sheet Rub; Graduated Bath; copious water drinking, Cooling Enema.

IF ERUPTION IS DELAYED—Wet Sheet Pack, prolonged to heating stage.

DlARRHEA—75^o-80^o F. Enema after each bowel movement. Fomentation for 15 minutes over the abdomen every 2 hours, followed by Heating Compress, changed every half hour. If most of his skin surface is cold, the Hot Full Bath for 5 minutes, followed by short Cold Towel Rubbing.

VOMITING—Hot and Cold Trunk Pack, Ice Bag over the stomach or spine opposite stomach.

CONVULSIONS—Hot Blanket Pack for 10 minutes, followed by Cold Wet Sheet Pack with ice to the head. Hot Bath for 5 minutes followed by Neutral Bath at 92⁰-95⁰ F. Water drinking; large Enema.

PHARYNGITIS—Fomentation to throat 10 minutes every hour with Ice Compress during interval between. Steam Inhalation 5-10 minutes every half hour; Gargle throat with very hot water hourly. Throat Compress at 60⁰ F., changed every 15 minutes. It should be protected by a Heating Compress changed once in 3 hours.

DELIRIUM WITH INSOMNIA AND NERVOUS AGITATION OR CHOREA—Ice Bag to head, Hot Fomentations to spine, followed by Prolonged Wet Sheet Pack.

SCALING OF THE SKIN—Neutral (92^o-95^o F.) Alkaline Bath daily for 15 minutes to 1 hour.

NEPHRITIS, OR SUPPRESSION OF THE URINE—Hot Blanket Pack for 20-30 minutes, followed by Heating Compress to the loins; Copious water drinking; Enema at 80⁰-90⁰ F. twice daily.

PLEURISY—Fomentation to the chest for 15 minutes every 2 hours with Heating Compress during the interval. Tight muslin bandage about chest, if pain is intense.

RHEUMATISM—Sweating Wet Sheet Pack; copious water drinking; Fomentation to joints every 3 hours with Heating Compress during interval between.

PERICARDITIS OR ENDOCARDITIS—Ice Ball or Cold Compress over heart, to be removed for 5 minutes, every 15-20 minutes.

ENTERITIS—Hot Trunk Heating Pack, with Hot Footbath or Hot Leg Pack for 20 minutes, followed by Cold Abdominal Compress at 60⁰, to be changed every 30 minutes. Enema after each stool, at 95⁰ F.

PNEUMONIA—Fomentation for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours, Cold Compress at 60⁰ during interval, changing every 10-20 minutes. Hot Hip and Leg Pack once or twice daily to relieve congestion. Keep skin warm and active. Hot Blanket Pack if he is chilly, followed by heating Wet Sheet Pack.

ENLARGED SPLEEN OR LlVER—Fomentation over the afflicted body part for 10-20 minutes twice daily. Follow by Ice Water Compress, to be changed every 2 hours during the interval.

CONTRAlNDICATIONS—Avoid short Cold Baths, prolonged Hot Baths, and all other measures which diminish heat elimination or increase heat production.

GENERAL METHOD—At the beginning, encourage eruption by hot-water drinking, very Hot Baths, Heating Pack. After eruption is fully developed, give Cooling Wet Sheet Pack, Graduated Bath, Cool Enema, and other fever-reducing measures. Copious water drinking is especially important. Give attention to the throat, to prevent infection of the ears. Steam Inhalation; Irrigation of the throat (gargling); Heating Compress. If albumin appears, the blood must be kept in the skin by Hot Packs and warm wrappings (covered well with blankets); and the cold applications must be "partial," such as Wet Hand Rub, Cold Mitten Friction, Cold Towel Rub. Prolonged chilling of the skin must be carefully avoided.

—Also see "Scarlet Fever—1."

DIPHTHERIA—1

SYMPTOMS—It begins with sore throat and fever. Frequently a dirty, white or grayish, membrane forms in the throat or nose, or both. There are slight chills, possible vomiting and diarrhea, always fetid breath, difficulty in swallowing, and hoarseness.

Children first complain of feeling tired and sleepy. The tonsils appear inflamed, dark red, and unevenly swollen. White, parchment-like patches appear on them. The glands in the neck usually swell.

CAUSES—Diphtheria is an acute contagious disease. It begins 3-8 days after exposure and primarily occurs between 1 and 10 years of age.

Part of the danger is the obstruction to breathing, due to the above-mentioned false membrane and is partly due to the toxins carried by the diphtheria germs which, carried throughout the body, especially harm the heart muscles, nerves, and kidneys.

This is a serious disease. Diphtheria is transmitted by clothing, contact, domestic animals, and sometimes by raw milk. Anything (dish, garment, etc.) coming in contact with the person must be disinfected.

Individuals can carry the germs on them for several years and transmit them to still others. A carrier should be isolated until the germs can no longer be found in his throat, nose, or catarrhal discharge.

If there are no white patches or developing membrane, it is not diphtheria.

The membrane is tenacious and dangerous. If not checked, it will cover the air tube and the child will suffocate. It is generally whitish, but may appear yellowish or greenish. When the child breathes harder and then has a frightened look, his air flow is narrowing.

When someone develops diphtheria, there must be no delay. Give him vigorous treatment. You will want to call a physician.

TREATMENT—

• Give the child all the water he can drink, and keep him in bed, in a well-ventilated room. Avoid chilling him. Too early exercise may overstrain the heart. The diet should be liquid. Fast on carrot juice or fresh citrus juices.

• If the child insists on eating something, give him bananas, raisins, figs, and oranges—and no other food. It is best to give him only liquids (water and fresh juices) until he is cleaned out, the throat is clean, and the phlegm and false membrane are totally gone.

• After the disease appears to be ended, give him no meat for quite some time (better not to give it to him at all).

• Give him warm baths.

• An emetic is usually needed, to empty the stomach of putrefying matter; otherwise high fevers will result. Lobelia in water can be given, but combined with bayberry bark is better. The vomiting must be repeated until the stomach and throat are entirely clean.

• As the disease progresses, lobelia and bayberry bark tea can be given at any time, to clean out the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Bayberry cleans the membrane and eliminates the odor. It is also healing and antiseptic. A very small amount of cayenne or ginger can be added as stimulants.

• Problems can develop while the child is sleeping—serious ones. Therefore, always give him the emetic before he goes to sleep each time. Otherwise he might suffocate in his sleep.

• Give him an enema every morning and evening. This helps clean out toxins from the diphtheria germs. An herb tea can be added to detoxify the colon: bayberry, white oak bark, or red raspberry. There should be at least 3-4 movements a day.

• Bayberry is excellent in all throat or stomach mucous conditions.

• If the heart rate is rapid, apply an ice bag over the heart.

• In case of headaches, place cold compresses or ice bags to the head and neck.

• A gargle can be made of goldenseal and myrrh, with a pinch of cayenne. Use this every half hour. It will clean the mucous and germs out of the throat.

• Apply hot and cold fomentations over the liver, stomach, kidneys, and spine to keep the circulation normal. This stimulates the lymphatic system, to help clean out toxins.

• If there is any danger of paralysis, give hot and cold applications to the spine, stomach, and liver.

• Give 2 high enemas daily.

• If symptoms of heart failure appear, give a half teaspoon of cayenne in hot water. Have him drink it all down immediately. Repeat if necessary.

• Each day, clean all clothing and bed linens by boiling them.

• As he begins to recuperate, he can be given baked apples, potato peeling broth, fresh fruits, cooked vegetables, and soy milk.

• If properly cared for, the disease will end within 7-10 days.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")

—Also see "Diphtheria—2" and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—Only in humble reliance upon God and obedience to all His commandments can we be secure. Trust your case to Him. He is the Great Physician.

DIPHTHERIA—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

INCREASE AND MAINTAIN VITAL RESISTANCE—Hot Fomentation to the spine or short Hot Bath, followed by Cold Mitten Friction or Cold Towel Rub 2-3 times a day.

TO COMBAT LOCAL INFLAMMATION—Fomentation to throat every 2 hours for 15 minutes; Ice Compress to throat during interval between. If inflammation becomes intense, and suppuration (pus flowing) or sloughing (separation of dead tissue from living tissue) is threatened, use the Heating Compress at 60⁰ F., changing every hour. Steam Inhalation; antiseptic lotions to throat; hot-water gargle.

COMBAT GENERAL TOXEMIA, RESULTING DEGENERATIONS AND LOCALIZED INFLAMMATIONS—Copious enemas twice daily. Copious water drinking 3-6 pints daily. The free use of fruit juices. Hot Fomentations to the spine or short Hot Full Bath, followed by Cold Mitten Friction or Cold Towel Rub 2-3 times a day.

TO COMBAT LOCAL INFLAMMATION—Hot Blanket Pack, followed by Sweating Wet Sheet Pack; repeat every 3-4 hours if necessary. Fomentation to throat every 2-3 hours, for 15 minutes; Ice Compress to throat during interval; ice pills; if inflammation becomes intense and sloughing is threatened, the Heating Compress at 60⁰ F., changing every hour; steam Inhalation; antiseptic lotions.

FEVER—Hot Blanket Pack, followed by Wet Sheet Pack; Prolonged Neutral Bath when rectal temperature rises above 101⁰ F.; Fomentation followed by Cold Towel Rub; Cold Enema with Simultaneous Fomentation to the back; Hot Enema followed by Cold Towel Rub or Cold Mitten Friction.

COMA OR COLLAPSE—Hot Blanket Pack; Colonic at 80⁰ F.; Alternate Compress or Sponging to spine; Cold Mitten Friction; Hot and Cold Head Compress; in case of collapse, short Hot Full Bath followed by Dry Blanket Pack; Hot Enema followed by Dry Blanket Pack.

PARALYSIS—Fomentation to spine with Cold Mitten Friction or short Hot Blanket Pack, followed by Cold Mitten Friction; Hot and Cold Friction over the affected part; gymnastics; massage; and appropriate exercise.

NEURITIS—Fomentation over the course of the affected nerve for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours; during the interval between, apply a well-protected Heating Compress; Colonic daily; water drinking, 2-4 pints daily; Aseptic diet; rest to the affected part.

CROUP—Steam Inhalation; Fomentation to throat 15 minutes, every 2 hours; Cold (or very cold) Compress, changed every 15 minutes during the interval; Hot Blanket Pack; keep skin warm.

THREATENED SUFFOCATION—Put him in a Neutral Full Bath at 102⁰-105⁰ F. and pour cold water over the chest and spine. Cold Mitten Friction.

—Also see "Diphtheria—1."

WHOOPING COUGH—1 (Pertussis)

SYMPTOMS—A week or two after exposure, the catarrhal stage begins. The eyes may be red, and the child seems to have a cold in the head. There is sneezing and watering of the eyes. Then a persistent cough develops, especially bad at night. This coughing continues a week, and keeps getting worse—and is the most significant indication that the problem may be whooping cough.

In about 2 weeks, the typical whoop begins. At first, only 1-2 times a day, it degrades to every time there is coughing. It is a deep breath at the end of a series of deep coughs. The child's face may be reddish or bluish from the effort and lack of air. Vomiting may also occur.

This whooping stage lasts 3-6 weeks, and the cough may not entirely disappear for several months.

CAUSES—Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial disease, which usually attacks children between 6 months and 5 years of age. But infants and adults can also be affected. A person rarely has a second attack of this disease.

The disease is not highly contagious after the first few weeks. The most contagious phase is before a definite diagnosis is possible.

Whooping cough occurs more frequently, and seriously, in overcrowded and unhygienic quarters and cold weather. In very young, delicate, or undernourished children, it is more likely to develop into broncho-pneumonia—the principle cause of death in cases of whooping cough.

Complications include convulsions, bleeding from the nose, into brain, or area around eyes. Broncho-pneumonia can also occur; death only rarely.

You may choose to have the child vaccinated at an early age (2 months is recommended for the series). You should weigh the fact that pertussis vaccine is one of the most dangerous of the shots in its occasional side effects.

TREATMENT—

• Treat the cough—When a cough first develops, treat that cough! If you do so, the whooping cough phase can be entirely prevented!

• Wild cherry bark tea is excellent. Here are other herbs useful for coughs; select from those you have on hand or can most easily obtain. They can be mixed: black cohosh, flaxseed, rosemary, comfrey, horehound, hyssop, myrrh, white pine, bloodroot, red sage, blue violet, ginseng, coltsfoot. Prepare a tea and give a teaspoonful every hour until the cough is better.

• Be sure and include other worthwhile practices, such as partial or complete fasting on fruit and vegetable juices until the cough is past. In all kinds of coughs, first cleanse the system with high herb enemas and a herbal laxative.

• When the cough is severe, as in whooping cough, have him drink warm water, one cup after another, then stick your finger down his throat and have him vomit.

• A light diet is essential. Overfeeding during the whooping cough prolongs the disease and leads to complications. In case it is a breast-fed infant, do not overfeed either. The child is thirsty, not hungry.

• As soon as it is perceived that the problem is whooping cough, place him on a full fruit juice fast. First, give citrus juices. This can be followed by other fruit juices; then carrot and other vegetable juices, and clear vegetable broth soup. Later still, fruit can be added.

• Give vitamins A and C in large doses.

• It is good to soak the feet in hot water, with a little mustard and salt added to it.

• Steam inhalations are often very helpful. They can be given every 2-4 hours, according to the severity of the case.

• Thick slippery elm tea is very good in whooping cough; mix in a little lemon juice and drink it freely.

• A light diet is essential.

• Keep him isolated from other children.

• If the weather is warm, sunny, and not too damp or dusty, keep him out of doors most of the day. But he should not exert himself in play.

• Air and sun his bedding every day, if there is sunshine.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")

—Also see "Whooping Cough—2" and "Childhood Diseases."

ENCOURAGEMENT—God is grieved with our griefs. He bends down in sympathy and tender love. Cry to Him for help, and He will give you that which is for the best.

WHOOPING COUGH—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

INCREASE VITAL RESISTANCE—Cold Mitten Friction or Cold Wet hand Rub 3 times a day.

TO RELIEVE COUGH—Chest and neck Heating Pack, changing every 4 hours; copious drinking of hot water, especially just before coughing paroxysm. He should drink 3-8 pints of water daily.

HELP KIDNEY ACTION—Neutral Bath daily for a half hour, followed by Cold Mitten Friction to promote activity of skin and kidneys.

GENERAL METHOD—The disease can not be greatly shortened, but the strength may be maintained, suffering mitigated, convalescence facilitated, and grave effects prevented by the faithful employment of the above measures, which should be continued, not only during the active stage of the disease, but for several weeks after the beginning of convalescence.

—Also see "Whooping Cough—1."

RHEUMATIC FEVER

SYMPTOMS—Pain, inflammation, and stiffness in a large joint, such as the knee. These initial symptoms are accompanied by pain.

The pain and swelling can travel from one joint to another. A skin rash may also appear.

CAUSES—Rheumatic fever is a streptococcal disease (Streptococcus Group A), and occurs between the ages of 4 and 18. It tends to follow a bout with tonsillitis, scarlet fever, strep throat, or an ear infection; most often strep throat (see "Tonsillitis")

After the disease appears ended, it may recur again later.

Rheumatic fever affects one or several body organs or locations: joints (arthritis), brain (chorea), tissues (nodules), skin (erythema marginatum), or heart (carius). It may also result in residual heart disease, producing permanent damage to one or more heart valves. (See "Arthritis" and "Chorea.")

The residual heart valve damage is the most dangerous aspect of untreated rheumatic fever. Treatment early in the course of the disease will generally prevent the heart damage. But this treatment may require the help of a physician and a stay in the hospital. Here is supplementary information:

TREATMENT—

• Give a nourishing diet, restricting all salt. Put on a water and fresh fruit and vegetable juice diet. Eat no solid food until the fever subsides and joint pain is reduced. Then maintain a light diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, etc.

• Avoid caffeine, fried foods, soft drinks, processed or refined foods, sugar, or salt.

• Bioflavonoids are especially valuable in preventing and treating rheumatic fever.

• Bed rest is very important.

• While in bed, massage and mild exercise is helpful. A planned exercise program should be undertaken later.

• Useful herbs include bayberry bark, goldenseal, yellow dock, pau d'arco, and burdock root. Echinacea and dandelion are also good.

ENCOURAGEMENT—To many, as to Mary, Christ says, "Why weepest Thou? Whom seekest thou?" He is close beside us, but so often our tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. Pray earnestly for help, and you will feel Him near.

REYE'S SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS—A fever and vomiting suddenly occur. A rapid change in mental status to a deep depression, nausea, amnesia; and then pneumonia, coma, convulsions, fixed and dilated pupils, and death.

There can be confusion, drowsiness, memory lapses, lethargy, irritability or unusual belligerence.

There may be weakness or paralysis in the limbs, speech impairment, hearing loss, double vision, etc.

CAUSES—Reye's Syndrome is a disaster worth avoiding. This disease affects many internal organs, especially the brain and liver.

It primarily strikes children between the ages of 4 and 15 (but most frequently young teens), in the fall or winter.

Not long ago, the death rate stood at 42%-80%, but more recently it has dropped to below 10%.

Most cases occur after a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox. Influenza B, Epstein-Barr virus, and viruses which primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract (enteroviruses) can also occur prior to its onset.

It is known that giving aspirin to a child or youth who has a fever can lead to Reye's disease and the likely possibility of death. In the early 1980s, it was discovered that a viral infection, plus the taking of aspirin, dramatically increases the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

The cause of the disease may be consumption of aflatoxin, which is an exotoxin of the grain mold, aspergillus flavus.

A biopsy generally shows liver necrosis (the liver is dying). Yet, if the person survives, there is a full recovery of the liver within 12 weeks.

If you see the above symptoms, just after your child has come out of a viral illness—do something quickly! Here are the key symptoms again:

(1) Agitation, disorientation, and delirium.

(2) Fatigue, lethargy, and lapses in memory.

(3) Prolonged and heavy vomiting, followed by drowsiness.

Call a physician! Phone 911, and send the child to a hospital!

TREATMENT—

• It would be well for the child to be given vitamin C (5-10 gms per day), intravenously; vitamins B-complex and B₁₂, and selenium (250-500 mcg per day) intramuscularly.

• If, in the hospital, the child receives an IV solution of glucose and electrolytes (mineral salts) within 12-24 hours after the heavy vomiting begins, his chances of recovery are very good.

• Never give a child or youth aspirin after a fever. The pattern of events is this: The child has a fever, and aspirin is given. There is improvement for a day or two,—then a sudden turn for the worst occurs, and coma or death follows. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study revealed that 96% of the children contracting Reye's syndrome had been given aspirin while they had a viral infection. It was also found that there was a direct correlation between the amount of aspirin given and the severity of the illness.

• In this emergency, if you have to give him a pain reliever, give him acetaminophen (Tylenol, Datril, and others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others) instead.

• Children's aspirins are banned in Britain because of this problem.

• The drug, Tigan, used in suppository form, to control vomiting and nausea, may also be a cause of Reye's.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable. Yet, without help from God, they are unbearable. Go to Him just now, and find in Him the peace of heart you so much need.