What the Doctor Says

4.5

A few days ago the pupils were asked to stay for another 45 minutes after classes to hear a talk about health.

“Are we old people to listen to talks about health?” asked one of the boys.

“If you want to be strong and healthy,” said the class teacher, “you must know some rules and the school doctor will explain those rules to you.”

Then the doctor came and began her talk.

At first she told the class to wash their hands before meals; to keep their bodies clean, to get up early and do morning exercises.

But after that the doctor began to speak about more interesting things. “A very important rule,” she said, “is to get enough sleep. You must get not less than nine hours sleep every night. Another rule is to breathe in as much fresh air as you can.”

“Well,” said one boy, “are there rules about health to remember at school only?”

“I don’t think so,” answered the doctor. “There are some rules which you must remember both at home and at school. For example, you must sit and stand straight. When you are reading or writing let the light come from behind your left shoulder.”

Then a girl held up her hand and said, “Please tell us more about hikes and how swimming makes people strong and healthy.”

“Oh, this is interesting. I have answered such questions already and I told schoolchildren to go on all-day hikes in the forest or in the fields on Sundays. And don’t take with you too many things when you go on a hike. Take only the things that you need. Don’t go into the water after you have just eaten much. Eat a little before you go for a swim. Don’t jump into the water during a walk in hot weather. I don’t think it’s difficult to remember all those rules,” said the doctor. “Good health isn’t only for you and your parents who take great care of their children. Society needs healthy young people.”