Logo
Prev
Bookmark
Rotate
Print
Next
Contents
All Pages
Related Articles
Browse Issues
Help
Search
Home
'
National Geographic : 1950 Dec
Contents
Three ways to fight TUBERCULOSIS The mortality rate for tuberculosis has declined steadily over the years. According to the National Office of Vital Statistics, the death rate in 1900 was people in the United States lost their lives last year from this disease, and over 130,000 new cases were reported. 194 per 100,000 populauon. louay, It Is less tan z8 Doctors urge continued efforts to advance the - the lowest on record. fight against tuberculosis. They suggest three ways Despite the decline in the death rate, tuberculosis to do this-detect the disease early, treat it promptly, has by no means been conquered. Nearly 40,000 andprevent new cases. Detect the disease early The surest way to find tubercu- The disease may, however, be a losis early is through an X-ray "silent sickness" and show no signs examination at the doctor's office at the beginning. That is why it is or at a chest clinic. This is espe- wise to have X-ray pictures made cially important if a persistent during an annual health examina cough, fever, a "tired feeling" or tion, or whenever a chest X-ray loss of weight occur - for these program is sponsored in the com may indicate early tuberculosis. munity. STreat it promptly If tuberculosis should be de- rest or surgery, have been espe tected in an active stage, prompt cially beneficial in certain types of and thorough treatment is essen- tuberculosis. There is hope that tial-preferably in a tuberculosis more effective ones may become hospital. This usually calls for available in the future. complete bed rest which helps the Under proper hospital treat body heal the infection. ment, authorities say practically S Other measures may be used in- all persons with early tuberculosis eluding surgery and drug therapy. have an excellent chance to get .New drugs, used as an adjunct to well. Prevent new cases To help prevent new cases of The likelihood of developing it tuberculosis, specialists urge that may also be reduced if everyone those who have the disease remain guards against the disease by get in the hospital until their condi- ting plenty of sleep, rest, proper tion is under control, exercise, and nourishing food. In this way, families, friends, Regular health examinations, and associates are saved from the including a chest X-ray, can usu danger of infection, for tubercu- ally detect tuberculosis before losis is a "catching" disease spread symptoms become apparent-and through contact. often before it becomes contagious. COPYRIGHT1950-METROPOLITANLIFEINSURANCECOMPANY Pleas end me a copy Please send me a copy M etropolitan Life of your booklet, 120N, Insurance Company Name__ _ (A MUTUAL COMPANY) Street 1 Madison Ave., New York 10, N. Y. City State
Links
Archive
1951 Jan
1950 Nov
Navigation
Previous Page
Next Page