What health topic does the Seventh-day Adventist most frequently have opportunity to discuss with an inquirer? A statistical record of every question asked doctors and nurses during a period of one month in all of our sanitariums would be enlightening. In the absence of such convincing data, we asked 171 students in North American schools of nursing to write a brief narrative of some health-teaching experience in their course. On the basis of these discussions, we gleaned the following information.
One topic on which much reliable data should be available is the effects of the use of tobacco, for by far the largest per cent of questions covered some phase of the harmful effects of the common cigarette-smoking practice. Thirty-two of the one hundred seventy-one students described incidents in which, upon inquiry, they had discussed this subject with patients.
The next most frequent question pertained to a balanced dietary. This always involved a scientific discussion of a nonflesh diet.
Fifteen discussions arose out of patients' questions relative to mental hygiene. The relation of body and mind, the results of worry and anxiety, the benefits of confidence in a divine power—all these were included in the questions asked and answered by some nurse during her training days.
The remaining questions or discussions in the order of frequency were as follows: Dangers in the use of intoxicating liquor, value of water drinking, correction of finicky appetite, care of children, cleanliness, harm in use of tea and coffee, necessity for good oral hygiene, habits and practices affecting elimination, pernicious indulgence in the use of candy, and the value of fresh air and exercise.
Other questions seemingly less frequently asked were: What is a normal working program ? Is regularity of eating essential for health? Are condiments used in foods harmful to the body ? How may I know when I have sufficient rest ? Another question pertained to the proper care of the feet.
That only one question was discussed on the subject of the use of drugs would indicate either that adequate explanation was given each patient in connection with medicines administered, or that patients were apathetic in their use, trusting in the wisdom of those under whose care they had placed themselves,
This resume will help the members of the Medical Missionary Association to have some idea of the health subjects they should be prepared to discuss intelligently with those with whom they come in contact. Folders or large envelopes in which material on each of these topics can be filed for ready reference will be found valuable to health educators and those who are preparing for future service. We trust this brief summary will also help teachers of health principles in our colleges to know the specific topics upon which emphasis must be placed if students are to be prepared to discuss these subjects intelligently with those who seek their counsel and help.
Narratives on some of the above topics, written by senior students of nursing, will appear from time to time in the Medical Missionary section of The Ministry, the first of which appears herewith.
K. L. J.