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HEALTH EDUCATION.
The dissemination of knowledge on health matters to
members of the community, is one of the most important
factors in preventive medicine. The old saying that "Knowledge
is Power" is very apt in this respect; the power to
promote and maintain good health is surely a most worthwhile
accomplishment.
Although more remains to be done the sphere of Health
Education has been considerably expanded by co-ordination of
effort by the Borough Council, London County Council, General
Practitioners, Voluntary Organisations, etc., as follows:
(1) Talks, lectures, "Brains Trusts," cinema shows, film
strips for —
(a) The general public.
(b) Clubs and Community Centres.
(c) Expectant mothers and fathers.
(d) School children and Youth Clubs.
(2) Articles in the Press by the Medical Officer of Health.
(3) Exhibitions.
(4) Education by doctors in hospitals, clinics and surgeries.
(5) Routine education in the home by Sanitary Inspectors,
Health Visitors, District Nurses and Social Workers.
One of the most important sections of the community at
which to direct health propaganda is, of course, older school
children; firstly because they are the citizens of to-morrow and
secondly because children at school are at the most suitable
age and in a suitable environment for the reception and retention
of knowledge. Lectures to children must, however, be simple
and interesting as well as informative—" teach them knowing
not they learn it" is a sound precept. The use of models and
other visual aids is of considerable value in creating a deep and
lasting impression which will be remembered throughout life.
The convincing of a child is often a means of educating the
parents, and it often follows that the inculcation of hygienic
habits in school can frequently bring about a discontinuance of
bad habits at home which reflects on other members of the
family. For instance a child who is taught to wash its hands
after using the lavatory and before meals, by assiduously
carrying out this practice in its home will often induce apathetic
members of the family to follow its good example—good health
habits should become automatic.