r than
to cram in a mass of facts which will enable them to take prizes and
pass examinations with honours.
The results of continued overwork are fatal, but in its earlier stages
it is easily remedied. Hence the need for watching and treating such an
early symptom as head weariness. For treatment see that the feet are
warm, bathing them if necessary (_see_ Bathing Feet). Stop school at
once, and give as much exercise in the open air, at play, as possible.
Then rub gently with both hands up and over the brow and sides of the
head over the ears, then up the back and over top of the head. Rub all
over the head with the finger points (not nails), so as to raise a glow
in the skin of the scalp. This treatment is best done while the patient
sits, and the operator stands behind or beside him. Gentleness of touch
there must be, and no irritation of the patient. With abstention from
all lessons, it will soon cure.
Bruises.--For slight bruises, such as children frequently get by
falling, a little butter or vaseline, applied immediately, is an
excellent remedy. For more serious injuries, such as bruised nails of
the fingers or toes, or such as result from violent knocks on any part,
the best remedy is hot fomentation or hot bathing, whichever may be
most convenient in application. Persistent and repeated treatment in
this way, with oil dressing, will cure in almost any case not so severe
as to be beyond remedy. Even where it is thought wise to send for a
surgeon, this bathing is the proper first treatment, and will do much
to relieve the inevitable pain.
Burns.--For _slight_ burns, immerse the injured part in cold water, and
keep there till the pain abates. This is where only redness of skin is
produced. In case of a blister forming, do not break or cut it, but
perseveringly cool with cold water, and leave the blister till it comes
away of itself, when the sore will be found healed beneath it.
Where a large surface is injured, some other part of the body must be
_fomented_; best the legs and feet, or the back, while the injured part
is persistently cooled. Thus a dangerous chill is avoided. The ARMCHAIR
FOMENTATION may be used, or a large BRAN POULTICE (_see both these_),
and thus the heat of the body kept up while cold water is applied to
the burns. If these cannot be immersed, as in the case of the face,
cover them with an air-tight covering, and apply iced or cold cloths
above this. The linseed oil and lime-water kn
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