798
edits
Changes
From Terrain Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search→Lesson 58 - Fasting Children During Disease
= Lesson 58 - Fasting Children During Disease =
= Lesson 58 - Fasting Children During Disease =
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
“He won’t eat a thing, and I always fix him his favorite foods.” The mother looked anxious as she told the Hygienic practitioner about her young son’s refusal to eat.
“He won’t eat a thing, and I always fix him his favorite foods.” The mother looked anxious as she told the Hygienic practitioner about her young son’s refusal to eat.
There are many questions and misconceptions about children and fasting. The pur- pose of this lesson is to answer these questions and remove the fears that surround the fasting of children.
There are many questions and misconceptions about children and fasting. The pur- pose of this lesson is to answer these questions and remove the fears that surround the fasting of children.
=== Why Children May Need to Fast ===
Children usually need to fast for the same reasons that adults do. A fast is sometimes needed to give the body a total physiological rest so that it may rebuilt its health quickly. A controlled withdrawal of food for a reasonable period of time can allow the body to revitalize itself and to carry out the healing processes.
Children usually need to fast for the same reasons that adults do. A fast is sometimes needed to give the body a total physiological rest so that it may rebuilt its health quickly. A controlled withdrawal of food for a reasonable period of time can allow the body to revitalize itself and to carry out the healing processes.
It is true that children are in a stage of rapid growth and physical development. Dur- ing such a time, the demands by the body for high-quality food are great and must be met. But this does not mean that food must be always present or that overfeeding should be practiced.
It is true that children are in a stage of rapid growth and physical development. During such a time, the demands by the body for high-quality food are great and must be met. But this does not mean that food must be always present or that overfeeding should be practiced.
Fasting is a time-honored method for improving the health of any person, regardless of age. Simply because a child has very definite needs for sustained and optimum nutri- tion does not mean that a fast for a reasonable length of time cannot be employed. In- deed, many times the child’s body is better able to assimilate and utilize the food given following a fast than it was before the fast.
Fasting is a time-honored method for improving the health of any person, regardless of age. Simply because a child has very definite needs for sustained and optimum nutrition does not mean that a fast for a reasonable length of time cannot be employed. In- deed, many times the child’s body is better able to assimilate and utilize the food given following a fast than it was before the fast.
So, why should a child fast? For basically the same reasons that an adult may wish to fast: to achieve and maintain superior health and development by allowing the body a period of complete physiological rest (which includes a “rest” from the digestion and assimilation of foods).
So, why should a child fast? For basically the same reasons that an adult may wish to fast: to achieve and maintain superior health and development by allowing the body a period of complete physiological rest (which includes a “rest” from the digestion and assimilation of foods).
=== When Should Children Fast? ===
According to Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, the world’s foremost authority on fasting, children should not receive food when:
According to Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, the world’s foremost authority on fasting, chil- dren should not receive food when:
# They are upset or feel bad.
# They are upset or feel bad.
# They are overheated or chilled.
# They are overheated or chilled.
# They are in pain or distress.
# They are in pain or distress.
# They are sick or have a fever. In other words, if a child is uncomfortable or disturbed in body or mind, then a meal should be postponed or skipped. Usually the simple missing of a single meal will often be enough to correct any temporary problem or passing illness of a child. This could hardly be called fasting, yet missing a meal can give the child’s sensitive and vital body a chance to reestablish its normal balance and well-being. Unfortunately, many parents become worried, nervous, and distraught if their child refuses to eat a meal. The idea of actually forcing their child to forego a meal seems almost unthinkable. Yet if there are signs of physical discomfort or disease, then abstain- ing from food for at least one meal is only sensible. Missing more than one meal or going without food for over a day is the beginning of a fast. A fasting period of a day or more is advisable for most children during the time of illness and disease. In fact, most periods of childhood fasting coincide with the periods of childhood disease and illness. An illness or sickness is proper enough reason for a child to fast, and the results from such fasting are nothing short of spectacular in rectifying physiological problems. In his book The Hygienic Care of Children, Dr. Shelton devotes many pages to the discussion of various diseases and illnesses suffered by children. This is the proper way to discuss the fasting of children, as it is during sickness that a fast should be employed. 58.2. Childhood Illness And Fasting 58.2.1 Specific Illnesses and Fasting for Children 58.2.2 Anemia 58.2.3 Rickets 58.2.4 Colds 58.2.5 Colic 58.2.6 Fever 58.2.7 Vomiting 58.2.8 Measles 58.2.9 Whooping Cough 58.2.10 Mumps 58.2.11 Diphtheria 58.2.12 Typhoid Fever
# They are sick or have a fever.
In other words, if a child is uncomfortable or disturbed in body or mind, then a meal should be postponed or skipped. Usually the simple missing of a single meal will often be enough to correct any temporary problem or passing illness of a child. This could hardly be called fasting, yet missing a meal can give the child’s sensitive and vital body a chance to reestablish its normal balance and well-being.
Unfortunately, many parents become worried, nervous, and distraught if their child refuses to eat a meal. The idea of actually forcing their child to forego a meal seems almost unthinkable. Yet if there are signs of physical discomfort or disease, then abstain- ing from food for at least one meal is only sensible.
Missing more than one meal or going without food for over a day is the beginning of a fast. A fasting period of a day or more is advisable for most children during the time of illness and disease. In fact, most periods of childhood fasting coincide with the periods of childhood disease and illness.
An illness or sickness is proper enough reason for a child to fast, and the results from such fasting are nothing short of spectacular in rectifying physiological problems. In his book The Hygienic Care of Children, Dr. Shelton devotes many pages to the discussion of various diseases and illnesses suffered by children. This is the proper way to discuss the fasting of children, as it is during sickness that a fast should be employed.
== Childhood Illness And Fasting ==
“Wise parents,” wrote Dr. John H. Tilden (an early Hygienist), “will never feed their sick children. Be not afraid to let them fast. For, every day that they fast lessens their illness and their danger. Feeding adds to their suffering and danger and prolongs their illness.”
“Wise parents,” wrote Dr. John H. Tilden (an early Hygienist), “will never feed their sick children. Be not afraid to let them fast. For, every day that they fast lessens their illness and their danger. Feeding adds to their suffering and danger and prolongs their illness.”
Dr. Shelton also echoed these sentiments when he said: “Whenever animals, both young and old, become sick they instinctively refrain from eating. Warmth, quiet, and fasting, with a little water, are all they want. Infants, too, when sick require only warmth, quiet, and fasting, plus some water.”
Dr. Shelton also echoed these sentiments when he said: “Whenever animals, both young and old, become sick they instinctively refrain from eating. Warmth, quiet, and fasting, with a little water, are all they want. Infants, too, when sick require only warmth, quiet, and fasting, plus some water.”
=== Specific Illnesses and Fasting for Children ===
Hygienic literature, and especially those books by Dr. Shelton, contains much practi- cal advice about the care of children during illness. During almost any disease or illness of a child or infant, the basic requirements are the same: rest, fresh air, pure water when needed, warmth, and quiet. Fasting plays an important role in the child’s recovery from sickness.
Hygienic literature, and especially those books by Dr. Shelton, contains much practi- cal advice about the care of children during illness. During almost any disease or illness of a child or infant, the basic requirements are the same: rest, fresh air, pure water when needed, warmth, and quiet. Fasting plays an important role in the child’s recovery from sickness.
What follows in this section is a list of some of the common childhood illnesses and the suggested course of action by the parent in caring for the sick child.
What follows in this section is a list of some of the common childhood illnesses and the suggested course of action by the parent in caring for the sick child.
=== Anemia ===
Anemia is a lack of red blood cells. “The value of a fast in all forms of anemia is be- yond doubt. Children that have been allowed to develop anemia should be given a short fast—three to five days; older children longer—or a few days on orange juice and fed properly thereafter.”
Anemia is a lack of red blood cells. “The value of a fast in all forms of anemia is be- yond doubt. Children that have been allowed to develop anemia should be given a short fast—three to five days; older children longer—or a few days on orange juice and fed properly thereafter.”
=== Rickets ===
Rickets are bone changes brought about by impaired nutrition. “Fasting has a benefi- cial effect in cases of rickets. Fasting properly done promotes growth. After a fast, an in- crease of body mass is accomplished which may have required years of normal growth.”
Rickets are bone changes brought about by impaired nutrition. “Fasting has a benefi- cial effect in cases of rickets. Fasting properly done promotes growth. After a fast, an in- crease of body mass is accomplished which may have required years of normal growth.”
=== Colds ===
A cold is a process of vicarious elimination. “For the ‘common cold,’ the child should be put to bed, all food stopped, except perhaps some orange juice (if there is no fever), and kept warm. That is all there is to the treatment of any so-called acute dis- ease—rest, fasting, warmth. No cold can last long when the child is cared for in this manner.”
A cold is a process of vicarious elimination. “For the ‘common cold,’ the child should be put to bed, all food stopped, except perhaps some orange juice (if there is no fever), and kept warm. That is all there is to the treatment of any so-called acute dis- ease—rest, fasting, warmth. No cold can last long when the child is cared for in this manner.”
=== Colic ===
Colic is digestive impairment of an infant. “The remedy for colic is: stop all feeding until comfort has returned.”
Colic is digestive impairment of an infant. “The remedy for colic is: stop all feeding until comfort has returned.”
=== Fever ===
Fever indicates poisoning; usually through decomposition in the intestines. “Fever will last until the poisons have been eliminated and the decomposing food voided. When such cases are fasted and not fed, the troubles end. Feeding and drugging are the ele- ments of danger. When animals, young or old, become sick, they refrain from all eating.”
Fever indicates poisoning; usually through decomposition in the intestines. “Fever will last until the poisons have been eliminated and the decomposing food voided. When such cases are fasted and not fed, the troubles end. Feeding and drugging are the ele- ments of danger. When animals, young or old, become sick, they refrain from all eating.”
=== Vomiting ===
In infants, vomiting is usually the first sign of acute disease. “Vomiting is a means of emptying the stomach before beginning housecleaning of the body. No food should be given the sick child.”
In infants, vomiting is usually the first sign of acute disease. “Vomiting is a means of emptying the stomach before beginning housecleaning of the body. No food should be given the sick child.”
=== Measles ===
Measles begin with a “head cold” and are accompanied by fever and malaise. “No food should be allowed until 24 hours after all acute symptoms are gone. Feeding should begin with fresh fruit juice, and then followed by fresh fruit the next day.”
Measles begin with a “head cold” and are accompanied by fever and malaise. “No food should be allowed until 24 hours after all acute symptoms are gone. Feeding should begin with fresh fruit juice, and then followed by fresh fruit the next day.”
=== Whooping Cough ===
Whooping cough is a paroxysm of coughing. “Unless such a case is fasted, the coughing becomes more severe. The child should be given as much fresh air as possible and as much water as thirst calls for, but no food of any kind should be given until com- plete relaxation is secured (usually within three or four days). After full relaxation oc- curs, fruit juices may be given for two or three days, after which fresh fruit may be giv- en. If the coughs tend to increase after meals, stop the feeding at once.”
Whooping cough is a paroxysm of coughing. “Unless such a case is fasted, the coughing becomes more severe. The child should be given as much fresh air as possible and as much water as thirst calls for, but no food of any kind should be given until com- plete relaxation is secured (usually within three or four days). After full relaxation oc- curs, fruit juices may be given for two or three days, after which fresh fruit may be giv- en. If the coughs tend to increase after meals, stop the feeding at once.”
=== Mumps ===
Mumps are an inflammation of the salivary glands, especially the parotids. “Rest in bed with warmth until the temperature is normal and the swelling has gone. No food and no drugs should be given. If the child refuses to fast, orange or grapefruit juice may be used. After the swelling is gone, fruit may be fed three times a day for the first three days. After that, a gradual return to a normal and healthy diet may be done.”
Mumps are an inflammation of the salivary glands, especially the parotids. “Rest in bed with warmth until the temperature is normal and the swelling has gone. No food and no drugs should be given. If the child refuses to fast, orange or grapefruit juice may be used. After the swelling is gone, fruit may be fed three times a day for the first three days. After that, a gradual return to a normal and healthy diet may be done.”
=== Diphtheria ===
Diphtheria is an inflamed and feverish throat condition. “Food must not be given un- til the throat is healed. Then fruit juices may be given for two days and then a gradual return to the normal diet. It is the fat, soft, ‘well-fed’ children who generally develop this sort of disease. I have never known a case of diphtheria in strict vegetarians on a low-protein diet.”
Diphtheria is an inflamed and feverish throat condition. “Food must not be given un- til the throat is healed. Then fruit juices may be given for two days and then a gradual return to the normal diet. It is the fat, soft, ‘well-fed’ children who generally develop this sort of disease. I have never known a case of diphtheria in strict vegetarians on a low-protein diet.”
=== Typhoid Fever ===
Typhoid fever is an acute disease involving mostly the small intestine. “When such patients are fasted, the stools and urine are pure by the time convalescence begins.”
Typhoid fever is an acute disease involving mostly the small intestine. “When such patients are fasted, the stools and urine are pure by the time convalescence begins.”
=== Tonsilitis ===
Tonsilitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane. “In acute cases, all food should be withheld until the symptoms are gone. After this, a fruit diet should be given for three to five days. If the case is chronic, then a fast or orange or grapefruit diet may be employed until the throat is clean and breathing is easy.”
Tonsilitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane. “In acute cases, all food should be withheld until the symptoms are gone. After this, a fruit diet should be given for three to five days. If the case is chronic, then a fast or orange or grapefruit diet may be employed until the throat is clean and breathing is easy.”
== The Mechanics Of Fasting ==
=== How Long Should Children Fast? ===
The most common question about children and fasting is: how long should the child fast?
The most common question about children and fasting is: how long should the child fast?
If you have no access to a practicing Hygienist, you may still fast your child without worry for short-term periods of one to three days. The exact length for a fast by a child or infant cannot be specified and depends upon the illness and the vitality of the young- ster.
If you have no access to a practicing Hygienist, you may still fast your child without worry for short-term periods of one to three days. The exact length for a fast by a child or infant cannot be specified and depends upon the illness and the vitality of the young- ster.
=== How to Fast Children ===
The needs of a child when fasting are basically the same as an adult’s: warmth, quiet, rest, fresh air, and pure water. Fasting for short periods of time may be supervised by the child’s parent. If a serious illness is present or if a fast must be conducted for more than several days, then the advice of an experienced Hygienist should be sought.
The needs of a child when fasting are basically the same as an adult’s: warmth, quiet, rest, fresh air, and pure water. Fasting for short periods of time may be supervised by the child’s parent. If a serious illness is present or if a fast must be conducted for more than several days, then the advice of an experienced Hygienist should be sought.
=== Beginning the Fast ===
No elaborate preparations are needed before a child is fasted. In cases of acute con- ditions where the symptoms of disease appear quickly, a fast may be begun immediately. In fact, as soon as there is a sign of serious illness in a child, the fast should start.
No elaborate preparations are needed before a child is fasted. In cases of acute con- ditions where the symptoms of disease appear quickly, a fast may be begun immediately. In fact, as soon as there is a sign of serious illness in a child, the fast should start.
There is no need to give an enema to a child before the fast starts. If time and con- ditions permit, the child may be placed on an all-fruit diet for a day or so before the fast begins.
There is no need to give an enema to a child before the fast starts. If time and con- ditions permit, the child may be placed on an all-fruit diet for a day or so before the fast begins.
=== During the Fast ===
The child should be kept warm, comfortable, and quiet. He should not be permitted to play or exercise vigorously while fasting. It is more important that the child be al- lowed to rest totally while not eating. This allows the body’s energy to be directed to- ward cleansing and detoxification instead of being expended in play or excitement.
The child should be kept warm, comfortable, and quiet. He should not be permitted to play or exercise vigorously while fasting. It is more important that the child be al- lowed to rest totally while not eating. This allows the body’s energy to be directed to- ward cleansing and detoxification instead of being expended in play or excitement.
Placing the child on a strict diet of fresh fruits and freshly-squeezed juices can be done for an extended period of time and does not require the supervision of an experi- enced Hygienist. The benefits of this diet are enormous.
Placing the child on a strict diet of fresh fruits and freshly-squeezed juices can be done for an extended period of time and does not require the supervision of an experi- enced Hygienist. The benefits of this diet are enormous.
=== What to Expect During the Fast ===
During the fast, the child’s urine may become dark. He may experience brief periods of diarrhea or constipation. The breath will probably smell foul and the tongue may be- come heavily coated. None of these signs are cause for worry, but indicate that the fast is progressing normally—that detoxification is being effected.
During the fast, the child’s urine may become dark. He may experience brief periods of diarrhea or constipation. The breath will probably smell foul and the tongue may be- come heavily coated. None of these signs are cause for worry, but indicate that the fast is progressing normally—that detoxification is being effected.
Show no worry or concern with the fasting child. Do not let other adults’ remarks about the “safety” of the fast, or demonstration of fears about the child’s health affect you in any way. It is best to fast your child in private and without discussion, especially in front of the child. If fasting is treated as a normal part of living and if the parents also practice fasting as a regular part of a healthy lifestyle, then the child is more likely to view his own fast as a positive experience.
Show no worry or concern with the fasting child. Do not let other adults’ remarks about the “safety” of the fast, or demonstration of fears about the child’s health affect you in any way. It is best to fast your child in private and without discussion, especially in front of the child. If fasting is treated as a normal part of living and if the parents also practice fasting as a regular part of a healthy lifestyle, then the child is more likely to view his own fast as a positive experience.
=== Breaking the Fast ===
The fast should be broken after all the acute signs of illness are gone, or the child ex- periences true hunger, or after a reasonable period (two to four days for an unsupervised fast). Hunger may be present during the first day of the fast. This is not a sign that the fast should be broken early, however: If the child expresses a strong desire to eat after the first day or two of the fast, that is a better indication that true hunger has returned and the fast should be ended.
The fast should be broken after all the acute signs of illness are gone, or the child ex- periences true hunger, or after a reasonable period (two to four days for an unsupervised fast). Hunger may be present during the first day of the fast. This is not a sign that the fast should be broken early, however: If the child expresses a strong desire to eat after the first day or two of the fast, that is a better indication that true hunger has returned and the fast should be ended.
If the child is an infant or is still nursing, then the fast should be broken with moth- er’s milk.
If the child is an infant or is still nursing, then the fast should be broken with moth- er’s milk.
=== After the Fast ===
Following a fast, the child should be placed on the optimum Life Science diet. This consists primarily of fresh; raw fruits with raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds eaten in ap- propriate combinations. Of course if the child is very young, then mother’s milk, fruit juices, blended fruits, and so on are appropriate.
Following a fast, the child should be placed on the optimum Life Science diet. This consists primarily of fresh; raw fruits with raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds eaten in ap- propriate combinations. Of course if the child is very young, then mother’s milk, fruit juices, blended fruits, and so on are appropriate.
After a fast is an ideal time to improve the youngster’s diet. The fast provides an easy transition into better eating habits and food selection. The first days after a fast will find the child keenly appreciating the simple and natural foods in their uncooked state. This is an excellent time to include more and more fresh fruits and vegetables into the child’s diet, and eliminate any substandard foods that may have been eaten prior to the fast.
After a fast is an ideal time to improve the youngster’s diet. The fast provides an easy transition into better eating habits and food selection. The first days after a fast will find the child keenly appreciating the simple and natural foods in their uncooked state. This is an excellent time to include more and more fresh fruits and vegetables into the child’s diet, and eliminate any substandard foods that may have been eaten prior to the fast.
=== Handling the Fears About Fasting Children ===
The greatest obstacle to fasting children will not be from the child but from overly- concerned parents and relatives. In some people’s minds, fasting is the same as starva- tion and they worry needlessly about the child’s safety during a fast.
The greatest obstacle to fasting children will not be from the child but from overly- concerned parents and relatives. In some people’s minds, fasting is the same as starva- tion and they worry needlessly about the child’s safety during a fast.
To avoid such complications, the wise parents will fast their child in private and without consulting various “authorities.” Again, it is suggested that such parents try to contact other Hygienists for their support during the first fast for a child. Regardless, a short-term fast of one to three days can never do any harm and may be safely undertaken by any knowledgeable parent.
To avoid such complications, the wise parents will fast their child in private and without consulting various “authorities.” Again, it is suggested that such parents try to contact other Hygienists for their support during the first fast for a child. Regardless, a short-term fast of one to three days can never do any harm and may be safely undertaken by any knowledgeable parent.
=== The Benefits of Fasting for Children ===
Children can quickly benefit from a fast, and it is encouraging to see the many pos- itive results that occur so dramatically after a fast. Youngsters have vital and relatively clean bodies that respond well to a fast.
Children can quickly benefit from a fast, and it is encouraging to see the many pos- itive results that occur so dramatically after a fast. Youngsters have vital and relatively clean bodies that respond well to a fast.
Fasting is a time-tested method of insuring superior health for people of all ages, it should be employed by both young and old alike, and the fasting of children should be regarded as a safe and natural method of insuring superior health and vitality.
Fasting is a time-tested method of insuring superior health for people of all ages, it should be employed by both young and old alike, and the fasting of children should be regarded as a safe and natural method of insuring superior health and vitality.
== Questions & Answers ==
My child doesn’t understand fasting. He thinks he is being punished when I put him on a fast. Help!
My child doesn’t understand fasting. He thinks he is being punished when I put him on a fast. Help!
One rule is to never feed during a fever. If hunger is present at that time, it is usually a sign that liquids are needed—specifically, distilled water. You can gen- erally ignore complaints about being hungry for the entire first day. If the child is very young, it is possible that true hunger could return as soon as the second or third day of the fast. If no major symptoms appear and the child indicates hunger by this time, then break the fast with fruit juices or fresh raw fruit. Continue feeding at this level for as long as possible. As long as the tongue is coated and the breath strong, the child will not evince true physiological hunger.
One rule is to never feed during a fever. If hunger is present at that time, it is usually a sign that liquids are needed—specifically, distilled water. You can gen- erally ignore complaints about being hungry for the entire first day. If the child is very young, it is possible that true hunger could return as soon as the second or third day of the fast. If no major symptoms appear and the child indicates hunger by this time, then break the fast with fruit juices or fresh raw fruit. Continue feeding at this level for as long as possible. As long as the tongue is coated and the breath strong, the child will not evince true physiological hunger.
Article #1: Sick So Young, But Well At Last!
== Article #1: Sick So Young, But Well At Last! ==
The Juliet Groll Story by Paulette Groll
The Juliet Groll Story by Paulette Groll
Try Natural Hygiene for yourself and your children. It’s a great way to live!
Try Natural Hygiene for yourself and your children. It’s a great way to live!
Reprinted from Naturally, The Hygienic Way, April, 1982.
'''''Reprinted from Naturally, The Hygienic Way, April, 1982.'''''
== Article #2: The Hardest Thing to Do Is “Nothing” by Dr. V. V. Vetrano ==
“Poor baby, she’s so sick. And look at her, she can barely lift her head!”
“Poor baby, she’s so sick. And look at her, she can barely lift her head!”
As the child had not vomited we know that the dog food was at least digested enough to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. By the time it reached the colon, most of it had been digested. The preservatives, other poisonous chemicals, and decomposition products were absorbed from the small intestine. The time to have done something was when the child had first eaten the dog food. Vomiting could have been induced when the food was still in the child’s stomach. But perhaps they did not realize just how much the child had eaten and the child was not yet sick. But, to give an enema after the food had already passed the absorbing area was useless and wasted the child’s nerve energy. Had the material in the colon been a great enough irritant to cause fever, the body would have forced it out by a diarrhea.
As the child had not vomited we know that the dog food was at least digested enough to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. By the time it reached the colon, most of it had been digested. The preservatives, other poisonous chemicals, and decomposition products were absorbed from the small intestine. The time to have done something was when the child had first eaten the dog food. Vomiting could have been induced when the food was still in the child’s stomach. But perhaps they did not realize just how much the child had eaten and the child was not yet sick. But, to give an enema after the food had already passed the absorbing area was useless and wasted the child’s nerve energy. Had the material in the colon been a great enough irritant to cause fever, the body would have forced it out by a diarrhea.
The parent’s reasoning was obfuscated because of the weakness and listlessness of the child. The tendency is to do something to make the child appear lively again. Par-
The parent’s reasoning was obfuscated because of the weakness and listlessness of the child. The tendency is to do something to make the child appear lively again. Parents forget that when nerve energy is being expended in one direction, it is withdrawn from another. It is normal when the body is fighting off poisons that all its energies, both nervous and physical, are directed to the area of the body that needs it most. The phys- ical weakness comes because the blood and nerve supply has been withdrawn from the skeletal muscles of the body and directed inward to help rid the body of the poisonous substances. It is natural to be listless and weak under these conditions. However, seeing a listless child is frightening and there is that strong urge to do something, just anything, to see a manifestation of life to do nothing, I repeat, to do nothing, intelligently, at these times takes great courage and faith in the human organism.
Fevers may last for more than three days, when there is a need for it. Fasting, of course, is the quickest means to help the body rid itself of irritants that are occasioning the fever, but it sometimes takes more than three days. We must not panic if the fever does not subside more quickly. Children presently are developing fevers that last longer than in former decades. I have cared for several children recently and have noticed that the fevers seem never to quit. The children of this generation are not as strong as those of the previous generation, for many reasons. We will have to expect more acute illness and less robust, children until we clean up the environment and straighten out our method of growing and processing foods. The race is slowly but surely committing suicide.
Fevers may last for more than three days, when there is a need for it. Fasting, of course, is the quickest means to help the body rid itself of irritants that are occasioning the fever, but it sometimes takes more than three days. We must not panic if the fever does not subside more quickly. Children presently are developing fevers that last longer than in former decades. I have cared for several children recently and have noticed that the fevers seem never to quit. The children of this generation are not as strong as those of the previous generation, for many reasons. We will have to expect more acute illness and less robust, children until we clean up the environment and straighten out our method of growing and processing foods. The race is slowly but surely committing suicide.