1940's Medicine and Health | It's Patriotic to Stay Healthy!

Patriotism and Public Health.

During World War II most Americans felt patriotism demanded eating less meat and sugar, driving fewer miles, conserving tin cans, and generally doing without normal consumer items. While few thought of patriotism in terms of keeping their families healthy, the government gave it considerable thought. With ten thousand physicians already in uniform and sixteen thousand more needed by the army before December 1942, government and health officials felt civilians would have to "curtail their aches and pains for the duration." To this end, federal programs for better nutrition and physical fitness were developed and publicized for schools, colleges, industry, and the home. Their purpose was to develop a strong, vigorous, and healthy population with courage enough to endure a long war.

How to Be Healthy.

Public-health authorities told Americans they had many ways to promote their health and...