12 SCHOOL PHYSICIANS’ BULLETIN

We now have a “specific” in our educational kit. No longer can we say, “Practically all persons have a touch of tuberculosis so we must reach all groups with our educational message.’’ Rather we can and iiiust say: “Now that we know that only a small proportion of our popula- tion seems to be exposed to infection, we can and must find them through the extensive use of the most efficient method yet developed for locating this infection, and, through the positive reactors, find still other sources.” This means testing children before testing other groups because they are most accessible, but primarily because more co-operatimi in treating and curing the ones needing such will be placed at the disposal of the doctor.

Good posture, adequate rest, proper food, desirable attitudes toward health conservation and medical care are still as important as they ever were in the fight against tuberculosis, and their promotion shall probably always be fundamental in any public health program. It would appear logical, however, that they could no longer be depended upon by a tuber- culosis association, using Christmas Seal funds, as the most ,efficient means of protecting the majority of children from tuberculosis, at the sacrifice of an adequate tuberculin testing program.

Ii Oregon’s experience is comparable to that of other areas, nothing in recent years has proven of such value in tuberculosis education among children, parents, teachers, and the community as the tuberculin test. As a harmless first step in securing a diagnosis, it tends to dissolve the inertia and procrastination to which so many are addicted in matters of this kind. Its increased use as a routine procedure in all iiiedical exam- inations will advance still further its value in this connection. Until a real specific in preventioii and cure is found tuberculin testing will serve as a “specific” in tuberculosis education.

SCHOOL T%ACHERS AND TUBERCULOSIS

I n Decatur, Illinois, the school and health authorities have adopted an effective plan to prevent the exposure of children to tuberculosis. No tuberculous person is employed in the school system. Applicants are required to furnish satisfactory evidence of freedom from tuberculosis. All teachers in service are carefully examined for signs of tuberculosis When such is found they are relieved of service on pqy until fully recovered. Both public and parochial schools participate in the program.

Of the 48,000 school teachers in Illinois, 380 are thought to have active tuberculosis. Though the number is relatively small, 8 to l,oOO, the strategical position of the teacher makes her a vital factor in the problem of tuberculosis prevention. This excellent co-operating plan by school and health authorities in

Decatur sould appeal to every community.

A modern small boy with great attention watching the stethoscope being used on a member of his family: “What station did you get, Doctor?”