World War I 100 Years Ago: July 20-26

The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, July 21: At the suggestion of President Wilson, the Council of National Defense has requested physical examinations of every child in the United States under the age of 6. This survey is a direct outcome of military examinations of men who were rejected for military service. It is believed most of the causes of rejection could have been eliminated in youth by proper and prompt medical and dental treatment. The 37,000 little ones in Marion County are currently undergoing scrutiny by physicians and nurses, and fifty percent of those inspected so far are normal. Of the subnormal kiddies, most can be returned to perfect health if right care is given to them; only an extremely small number will not have perfect health. Physical inspections are made in schoolhouses at no charge to the parents.