14 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
2. Build New Ideas Onto Old Ones
People find their own ways to stay healthy. Many traditions are good,
helpful, and worth keeping. But some are not.
When you teach, start with what people already understand and are
doing themselves. Then add new ideas.
This method of teaching is called ‘association of ideas’. It helps people
to understand new ideas because they can compare them with what
they already are doing.
In this way people can more easily accept, remember, and do what you
suggest.
A HEALTHY TRADITION builds
NEW IDEAS AND WAYS
Sweeping the compound
makes it a clean and
healthy place to live.
in the
same
way
Brushing the teeth and gums keeps
them clean and healthy.
A small child cannot find
his own lice. Mother
knows she must help him.
in the
same
way
A small child cannot see the
food on his teeth. He needs
help with that also.
Different vegetables
when planted together—
like maize and yams—
help each other to grow.
in the
same
way
Eating different kinds of food
helps people to grow. Eating them
several times a day makes your
teeth and gums, as well as your
whole body, grow stronger.