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difference will be greatly reduced, and that the number of such
deaths among women will increase as their use of the "noxious weed"
increases. Of the men 16 died before the age of 65 and all the
women beyond that age.
The second cause of death showing a marked difference between
the sexes is coronary disease, the figures being 60 males and 35
females. Of the male deaths 25 occurred before the age of 65,
and of the females 3 occurred before that age.
Other causes of death of special interest are motor vehicle
accidents, being 6 deaths in all, 4 male and 2 female distributed
at random between the ages of 5 and 65. Under the heading of
other accidents, there were 4 deaths, 2 male and 2 female. The
cause of death in these cases very often is due to accidents in
the home.
A matter of special note is the number of suicides for the
year which totalled 11, 6 males and 5 females. This is a most
unusual occurrence for Bethnal Green and I hope it is but an
isolated instance.
The three last mentioned causes of death must be considered
preventable and should be taken note of and followed up to observe
the trend. Action has been taken with the aid of Health Education
to reduce road accidents and home accidents. The Council is
conscious of the problem of suicide amongst people who become
isolated and unable to cope with their problems and is contributing
to support the functions of the Samaritan organisation, accepting
that there is need for preventive work in this field.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Chairman and Members of the
Public Health Committee for their encouragement and support and I
acknowledge too the co-operation of other Chief Officers and their
staffs. I wish also to convey my appreciation to every member of
the Department and as this address is a survey of the past eight
years I wish, to thank those members of the staff who have worked
with me and who have since retired or transferred to other posts.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
S. A. BOYD,
Medical Officer of Health
August, 1965*
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