Convalescence.

When discharged from hospital patients frequently suffer from a form of neurasthenia, and the smallest thing is apt to irritate.

It is a good idea to stimulate appetite by putting too little on the plate when serving, rather than too much. The convalescent will always ask for more, whereas an overloaded plate will often have the following result—no wish for the food.

It is often a mistake to keep asking the patient what she would like to eat. Convalescing becomes very monotonous, and the anticipation of something attractive for the next meal helps to keep the appetite from flagging.

Speedy recovery depends as much upon sparing the patient any strain as upon the actual nursing. Worry prevents sleep, and only results in chronic tiredness, which retards progress.

General diet consists of vegetables, white fish, eggs, plenty of butter and cream, salads, fruit and fruit juices, honey, wholemeal bread and vegetable soups.