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Encephalitis Lethargica; this insidious and alarming disease killed 6 out
of 24 patients. Scarlet Fever fell from 349 to 291 cases, and
Puerperal Fever, from 7 to 6. A chart will be found illustrating the
deaths from Cancer, for several years; 148 victims this year, 8 more
than last.
In Dr. Harbison's report, it will be seen that deaths from
Tuberculosis rose from 95 to 104, of which 49 were between 25 and 45
years of age.
The greatest cause of death was Heart Disease, 173, and of these,
60 died between 45 and 65. Heart disease is frequently the handmaiden
of Arterio-sclerosis (hardened arteries).
This is largely a preventible disease, and I have accordingly made
it the subject of this year's educational article.
Nearly all deaths from cirrhosis of the liver, together with some
deaths from kidney and heart disease and arterio-sclerosis, are justifiably
attributable to alcoholism. The acute prohibitionist refuses to be
comforted, but one can rejoice at the improvement in the drinking
habits of the nation. Something must be done to remedy the tragedy
of little children being kept waiting in the cold until father or mother
chooses to leave the public house; it is a scandal. Fit men and women
are wanted for this country, therefore parents must see that their
children are brought up as total abstainers and they must show them a
good example.
The distribution of milk, free or at half-price, involves a scrutiny of
the income and rent of the family concerned. One is driven to the
conclusion that in many cases the wages are inadequate. There would
seem to be a good case for the protagonists of birth control, though
there is surely something higher for healthy people to aspire to than
this. The cult of birth control has become something of a religion
with some. None the less it is justifiable in the case of women whose
burden is already heavy enough and in certain other cases. In 1924,
67 infants died in the Borough from congenital debility, malformation,
and premature birth. Who shall say that in these cases birth control
would not have been better? During the year I delivered a number of
lectures in the Borough; intensive public health propaganda work is
required. Your Council has kindly placed the Town Hall at my
disposal on alternate Wednesday evenings from October to March inclusive.
The big success of Health Week, thanks to you, to the whole
staff, and to the public, has led to a demand for more information.