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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
somewhat differently from those prepared for our own use; for we
have learned to relish plain food. It is necessary to plan more liberally
for a medical institution than for a private family. Many things must
be taken into consideration, and concessions must be made to meet the
peculiar needs of the many classes of patients coming to our sanitari-
ums. A strait-jacket is not to be put on the appetite suddenly. When
you become acquainted with these people, and understand their true
condition, prescriptions can be given to meet the individual require-
ments.
In all our sanitariums a liberal bill of fare should be arranged for
the patients’ dining-room. I have not seen anything very extravagant in
any of our medical institutions; but I have seen some tables that were
decidedly lacking in a supply of good, inviting, palatable food. Often
patients at such institutions, after remaining for a while have decided
that they were paying a large sum for room, board and treatment,
without receiving much in return, and have therefore left. Of course,
complaints greatly to the discredit of the institution were soon in
circulation.
There are two extremes, both of which we should avoid. May the
Lord help every one connected with our medical institutions not to
advocate a meager supply of food. The men and women of the world
who come to our sanitariums often have perverted appetites. Radical
changes can not be made suddenly for all these. Some can not at once
be placed on as plain a health reform diet as would be acceptable in
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a private family. In a medical institution there are varied appetites to
satisfy. Some require well-prepared vegetables to meet their peculiar
needs. Others have not been able to use vegetables without suffering
the consequence. The poor, sick dyspeptics need to be given many
words of encouragement. Let the religious influence of a Christian
home pervade the sanitarium. This will be conducive to the health
of the patients. All these things have to be managed carefully and
prayerfully. The Lord sees the difficulties to be adjusted, and He will
be your Helper....
Yesterday I wrote to you some things that I hope will in no wise
confuse you. I may have written too much in regard to the importance
of having a liberal dietary in our sanitariums. I have been in several
medical institutions where the supply of food was not as liberal as it
should have been. As you well know, in providing for the sick we