Where There Is No Doctor 2011 125
Rickets
Children whose skin is almost never
exposed to the sunlight may become
bowlegged and develop other bone
deformities (rickets). This problem can be
combatted by giving the child fortified milk
and vitamin D (found in fish liver oil). However,
the easiest and cheapest form of prevention
is to be sure direct sunlight reaches the
child’s skin for at least 10 minutes a day or for
longer periods more often. (Be careful
not to let his skin burn.) Never give large
doses of vitamin D over long periods,
as it can poison the child.
Signs of rickets:
bony
necklace
curved
bones
big joints
bowed legs
SUNLIGHT IS THE BEST PREVENTION
AND TREATMENT OF RICKETS.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure can cause many problems, such as heart disease, kidney
disease, and stroke. Fat people are especially likely to have high blood pressure.
Signs of dangerously high blood pressure:
• frequent headaches
• p ounding of the heart and shortness of
breath with mild exercise
• weakness and dizziness
• occasional pain in the left shoulder and chest
All these problems may also be caused by
other diseases. Therefore, if a person suspects he
has high blood pressure, he should see a health
worker and have his blood pressure measured.
A BLOOD
PRESSURE CUFF
for measuring
blood pressure
WARNING: High blood pressure at first causes no signs,
and it should be lowered before danger signs develop. People who are
overweight or suspect they might have high blood pressure should have their
blood pressure checked regularly. For instructions on measuring blood pressure,
see p. 410 and 411.
What to do to prevent or care for high blood pressure:
♦ If overweight, lose weight (see next page).
♦ Avoid fatty foods, especially pig fat, and foods with a lot of sugar or starch.
Always use vegetable oil instead of pig fat.
♦ Prepare and eat food with little or no salt.
♦ Do not smoke. Do not drink much alcohol.
♦ When the blood pressure is very high, the health worker may give medicines
to lower it. Many people can lower their blood pressure by losing weight if
they are fat (next page), and by learning to relax.