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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 9 (December 1, 1937.)

The Child In Summer

The Child In Summer.

There is nothing better for children than plenty of sunlight, but care should be taken to prevent them from being a wilted group at the end of the summer.

Sunlight is a valuable skin food, as there are elements of iron, phosphorus and iodine absorbed by the blood when the skin is exposed to the light, but it is not in the least useful to over-do the value of exposure in the hope of hardening the children. Sunbathing should be treated with the utmost discretion, for apart from the fact that, beyond a certain point, heat is enervating and depressing, in the interests of the eyes alone, the children should be provided with large hats and made to realise they are of real value and must be worn and not flung impatiently aside.

We have come to the stage now when we realise that sunlight must be used with care. Beyond a certain point it might be harmful. The early morning hours are therefore the best for sun-bathing, as at that time we have the maximum of light with the minimum of heat.

It is also important to look over the daily diet. Modify the soft cereals, and substitute crisp cereals, fruit, etc., which will be a welcome change from the food applicable to the colder months. Plenty of liquids, too, is beneficial—cold water, milk, fruit drinks. Barley water, sweetened with honey, to which lemon juice may be added, is also a favourite drink, page 75 to those who have become accustomed to it.