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HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE
"Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie
which we ascribe to Heaven."
ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. Act I.Sc.1.
William Shakespeare
The title of the delightful Shakespeare play holds within it all the things that the individual hopes for.
The remedies to so many ills do lie within ourselves, but to apply them we need information and the
motivation to use it. The task of the Health Educator is to attempt to provide both.
In a previous report I suggested thought might be given to the appointment of extra staff to meet the
ever-increasing demand for health education. It is gratifying that this year there have been two additions to
the health education team. One of these, an Assistant Health Education Officer, has a specific responsibility
for health education in girls' schools and deals with Human Relationships, Menstruation, Venereal Disease,
Family Planning and related subjects, in addition to general health topics usually discussed in schools and
youth clubs.
In addition a Health Education Assistant has been recruited whose main duties are concerned with
the promotion of Home Safety. Also he assists the other Assistant Health Education Officer in the presentation
of displays, etc.
The team (comprising the Health Education Officer, 2 Assistant Health Education Officers, a Technical
Assistant and a Clerical Assistant) is now big enough to examine and tackle most of the problems
in the health education field and to offer to other colleagues the facilities available at the Health Education
Centre.
ADVISORY PANEL
The panel continued to meet on a regular basis to preview new material and discuss projects and
campaigns to be promoted throughout the year. These included
Once again the perennial topics were presented at the appropriate times during the year. It is good to
note that the number of injuries arising from Fireworks has fallen substantially and the number of Oil
Heater fires has dropped and it is hoped that this is partly due to the intensive publicity programmes
mounted. Indeed the London Fire Brigade praised the efforts of Islington Council in urging the public to
dispose of their old and obsolete oil heaters commenting "We hope that all local authorities will pursue
this campaign with the same vigour".
STAFFING
January — Infectious Disease and Prophylaxis
February — Smoking
March — Dental Health
April — Prophylaxis
May — Food Hygiene
June — Venereal Disease and Drugs
July — Summer Safety
August — Preparation for School and Aspects of Child Development
September — Nutrition
October — Fireworks and Fire Hazards
November — Winter Hazards, Hypothermia and Winter I lis
December — A Safe and Happy Christmas - Toys, Flameproof Materials/
Decorations
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