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HEALTH EDUCATION
Progress in the field of health education was slow but steady throughout 1961 and
a wider range of topics was dealt with than was possible during 1960. It was also pleasing
to note an increase in the number of head teachers who were able to avail themselves
of the facilities offered by the Health Department.
Maternity and Child Welfare
Films on ante-natal care and the care of children form an integral part of the teaching
of expectant mothers and in three of the clinics where facilities for projection are available,
wide use was made of this medium for health education. Unfortuately in some clinics
blackout difficulties preclude the use of films but groups from these clinics are given the
opportunity to join other classes when shows are being held. Once again "My First
Baby" and "The British Midwife" were the most widely used films. Two evening
sessions to mixed audiences were very popular. The film "Breast Feeding" and one
on foot care "Your Children Walking "were also used quite extensively and those on
dental care attracted larger audiences than in 1960.
In addition to talks in the clinics, health visitors also attended church and other
women's groups to discuss care of the feet and dental care. In five cases the talks were
supplemented by films which were well received.
Adolescent Clinic
This new clinic had five film shows during the latter half of 1961 and the subjects
ranged from human biology to personal hygiene. It is hoped that it will be possible to
make even more use of films in the future.
Training of Students
The students from the London University Institute of Education who commenced
training during 1960 continued to attend for practical work during the Easter term of
1961 and were replaced in the autmn by two others, a lecturer from the Teachers' Training
College and a Health Inspector from Ghana. They were given an opportunity to
spend one or more sessions with each section of the Department, to visit the various
clinics and to attend film shows and exhibitions.
Film shows were given in three schools during the year, the subjects chosen being
home safety and dental care. In each case the films were supplemented by a talk from
a member of the Health Department Staff. In addition one talk on the care of the feet,
supported by a film strip, was given by a health visitor to senior pupils of the Junior
School.
Talks on the work of the Health Department were given in the Civic Centre to two
parties of school children one of which was training for the G.C.E. Certificate in human
biology.
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