Health Notes.

During the spring and early summer months various rashes and other skin irritations are inclined to be troublesome. Now that the cold weather is over it is necessary to change the diet, and eliminate most of the more heating foods such as starches, fats and red meats. Substitute with fresh fruit and vegetables (raw and cooked) and white meats—fish and chicken.

Take alkaline aperients and medicine such as bicarbonate of soda, magnesia, etc. Apply cooling lotions, cold cream or ointment to the affected parts. Calamine lotion (which may be obtained from any chemist) is a useful remedy to have on hand, also bicarbonate of soda solution (one tea-spoonful soda to one pint boiling water).

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Sunburn is a frequent source of irritation during the early summer, especially during the early stages of sun bathing. Precautions should be taken to avoid a badly sunburnt or blistered skin. Injudicious exposure to strong sunlight causes unnecessary pain and discomfort and can be very harmful.

Gradual exposure to the morning and afternoon sun should be the rule, avoiding the strong mid-day sun. Commence the first day with ten minutes, five minutes for the front of the body and five minutes for the back. The second day allow another five minutes, gradually increasing the time each day until the skin is well tanned. Wear a light wide-brimmed hat to protect the eyes and the back of the head and neck. Children's sunbaths should be supervised, and they should be provided with a ground sheet so that chills may be avoided.

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