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7
lung cancer. Deaths from coronary artery disease have also increased
considerably, although the overall deaths attributable to
heart disease show only a slight increase. In our present state of
knowledge it is impossible to relate these facts precisely and solely
to epidemiological factors although it is indisputable that heavy
cigarette smoking encourages the development of lung cancer and
an atmosphere polluted with industrial emissions contains cancerinducing
substances. There may of course be other factors of an
hereditable or selective nature impinging on the population; indeed
it would be surprising if conditions apparently so irremediably
linked with the fundamental processes of living matter were not
subject to the same natural pressures as other deviations from the
accepted norm. However, as in most problems of biology, the
answer seems to lie in an equation of two factors; an inborn
constitutional diathesis in fortuitous association with environmental
factors in the widest sense.
The environmental chain may be found easier to break than
the genetic predisposition to disease. One factor linked to heart
trouble is excessive or faulty eating habits and the increasing
sedentary nature of our lives. Diet in excess of requirements, either
in terms of energy or nutrition, adds a burden to the heart unless
the surplus energy can be expended quickly in normal activity.
Excessive fat intake may predispose to the development of diseased
arteries. Here then is one environmental factor of a personal
nature that can be controlled to some effect by precept and by
example. On the other hand a diet deficient in the basic necessities
of life is equally dangerous and that is why the patent remedies for
slimming and weight reduction, which are advertised so widely
and with a flagrant disregard of fact, are dangerous. Weight reduction
is a question of striking a happy balance between energy
intake and output.
Large shipments of food continue to be landed or stored in
the many wharves in the Borough. A new breaking-out plant for
liquid whole egg and albumen was opened and requires regular
and careful supervision. Although importations of dried egg products
were less and generally of a higher quality, Swedish pig
carcases landed in considerable quantities were found to be
diseased and had to be condemned. Problems of ante and post
mortem inspection in Sweden were resolved with the Swedish
Authorities. Desiccated coconut from Ceylon was found to be
bacteriologically unsound and necessitated preventive action. An
account of all the food condemned or rejected is included in the
appropriate section of the Report.
The welfare of the aged continued to exercise the attentions
of the department and a further appreciable increase in the services