Salud, higiene y educación. Los primeros sanatorios marítimos infantiles en el extranjero

Abstract

Present study analyzes the significance of the scientific publication about the benefits of marine weather for the healing of several childhood diseases. The practical implementation of water and the marine environment took place in children´s sanatoriums and floating schools ships. The first center was set up in England, expanding to throughout the nineteenth century and the first third of the twentieth century around Europe and America. France, Italy and Germany stood out to introduce a large network of schools ships for the weakest children. This treatment was received by the sickest children or more predisposed from the lower social classes. The aim of reducing the high rates of child mortality and improve the health of poor children was reached effectively and gradually. The combination to manage health and educational activities to the patients admitted was materialized in the fulfillment of a schedule, on the learning of a set of hygienic standards, assorted games, baths, storybook reading and rudimentary teaching of the deed and reading.