T. B. MEN.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 31, 15 October 1920, Page 8

T. B. MEN.

In our last week's issue of the "Digger" we made an analysis of the general principles which govern the treatment of tuhercular patients in . Australia-. The problem is undoubtedly of -greater magnitude with tliem than with us. Nevertheless, it is a matter of degree, and we can learn many lessons from Australian methods. As far a§ w,e can see the method of treatment is based on a much greater co-ordinated plan than our own. Although we have done a great deal for these men, tlier,e is a lack of co-ordination in the g( neral scheme and this must make itself felt on the soldier patients. Great care is taken to see that these men are treated in surroundings favoured with suitable climatic conditions. We have the case of a man in Southland who took up land. He is now under treatment at a certain sanatorium and is not able to give attention to his farm, with the result that pressure for payment is being exercised for money due. It is of course evident that the men themselves must selveg of treatment. On the other hand, if we had greater co-ordination in the scheme it is possible the man would not be there. Apart from the medical as-

sistance given in the Australian scheme, it seems that special prominence is given to healthy sourroundings with favourable climatic conditions. The conditions of life ar.e®made attractive and subject to good healthy employment The Red Cross seem to play an important part in the treatment of these men, and money which is now in the care of the War Fimds As&ociation would be well spent in this direction. The Red Cross have suitable homes for these men. The patient is encouraged to expect recovery. His progress is upward, not downward. He is buoyed up by the 'hope that he will pass out into the country life again. Tlie importance of the operation of the "Laws of Suggestion" ar.e too frequently overlooked in our curative methods. The tendency is for our men to look on the 4ark side of things. One of these homes has 90 acres of land attached and here the men get good, healthy, and useful work. For those who are not interested in farm ..work there are classes in basket-making, woodcarving, fancy-work, and hammock mak- ' ing. Tools and materials are provided and the completed work becomes t-ne property of the patient. Picnics are also an attraction and are a factor in aconstant change of surroundings which plays an important part in the mental ontlook of the patient. There are five billiard rooms, croquet lawns and bowling greens. The men have formed a T.B. Soldiers' Association and it is designed to pay special attention to their requirements. One of the great factors seems to be the elimination of discontent and a cheery outlook on life. The treatment is graduated, consisting of nest-, walking exercises and manual labour. A patient begins by walking one mile a day, and if no ill-effects are observed the distance is increased each week until he walks six miles a day. Then he begins on his first labour grade. Supplied with a basket, he carries stones and dii't, not more than 101bs i,n weight, making short trips for two hours a day. If no ill-effects are observed he is advanced grade by grade until he is finally engaged in pick-and-shovel work for six hours a day until his disease is arrested. We have done a great deal for these men but there are' many valuable lessons to be learned from Australia's method of dealing with T.B. cases.