| Subject: Mandatory examination of kids in Norway in the 1950es-1970es |
Author:
Knut Holt
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Date Posted: Saturday, November 16, 2019, 05:29: am
I guess I will begin with some background information for the understanding of what I have to tell.
Norway had a heavy epidemy of tubercolosis in the early 1900es, and this disease can manifest itself early in any body part, not only in the lungs and lower airways, even though this is most common.
Norway also had an epidemy of polio like most countries. Most cases of polio is not of the serious kind, but represent a source of spread, and once a kid had polio heshe might need some support or corrective treatment, and signs that a kid have had polio was therefore something important to detect.
Furthermore the doctors at that time had exaggerated theory that physical activity easily could overstress the joints, tendons and groin area of kids as well as the heart.
Another constant concern was urinary tract infection. Steadily I heard that this or that kid was prone to urinary tract infection.
Another constant concern was inflamed appendix, whether accute or chronic.
Still another worry was that of lymph node weakness and gland weakness, sack therms for any kind of systematic disease that caused symptoms in lynph nodes or glands.
Masturbation was seen as something to be concerned with and a habbit of masturbation had to be detected and treated.
I know this because I steadily heard about these concerns as a kid, both regarding myself and other kids.
These concerns were probably the reason why Norway had a very thorrough exam program for kids, but I have the impression that the exam program was most extensive for kids growing up in the cities.
Another reason is perhaps the fact that Norway was and is a very rich country, but most of the wealth was and is owned by the government that have a constant incitement to use this wealth for something, and kids is the main targets for these spendings.
Norway still has a very extensive program, but the focus have been shifted to other concerns.
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From age 0-5 each kid had a general exam each half year at establishments called "Kontrollstasjon", meaning "control station. I think it lasted 30 minutes for each kid. But I have some foggy memory of a couple of exams lating 3-4 hours of more.
At age 6 all parents got a formula to fill out and answar all they knew about the health of the kid, and all concerns they might have. One of the questions sounded like this: "Does the pupil play with genitals", which of cource was about masturbation or possible genital play with other kids.
At the same age we had our preschool physical which had a general part and parts regarding all concerns.
Then we had a yearly school physical until the age of 14.
We also had yearly dental exam and treatment.
An there was a full vaccinisation program.
Any concern resulted in special individual physicals and treatments which might be given by doctors coming to the school, at a nearby hospital, or at an establishment called "Helserådet", meaning "The health advisor".
We also had special exams directed at special body parts, but I am not sure to what extend these were individual or for all kids.
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The special concerns of the authorities seemed to make the exam program especially focusing on the joints, spine, hips, airpipe, glands, lymph nodes, and over all the urinary system, lower stomach, genital, rectum and anus.
But the ordinary things like vision, hearing and heart was not overlooked, but got less attention.
Since it was impractical to do everything each time, each of the yearly exams differed to some extent.
The exam were conducted in full nudity, but in private settings, except that 3 kids used to take off their clothes in the room of the nurse, while the exam happened individually in the doctor room.
Even though sexual activity of the kids were reason for concern, nudity or reactions like erections were not seen as something problematic or naughty.
I will write more in the following, but ask me about anything and I will answar.
Knut Holt
https://www.abicana.com
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