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1ll
Contrary to some observers Dr. Hamilton records he has witnessed
no striking increase in the rate of gain in weight, resulting from exposure
to light. This is probably because accurate records of weight for months
before and after treatment were available in the great majority of his
patients. It is known, of course, that Rickets commonly occurs in infants
who are rapidly putting on weight, and he mentions specially the type
that has recently passed through a marasmic phase, and is receiving a diet
rich in carbohydrates. This rate of gain is not accentuated by ultraviolet
radiation, nor is it desirable that it should be. Many show marked
amyotonia, and the earliest and most constant result is an improvement
in muscle power and activity. "It is not surprising that this is accompanied
by a diminished rate of gain, or even a fall in weight." He
notes that an increase in physical energy and mental alertness often
coincide.
It is suggested that for general exposures of young children, the
carbon arc has certain advantages over the Mercury Vapour lamp.
Further, while the report shows that ultra-violet radiation has a field of
great usefulness in work of this kind during the Winter months in a city,
its author admits candidly that he obtained better results in the Summer,
by exposing children to direct sunlight out of doors. He pictures the
artificial sunlight room of the future as a "large, well ventilated, well
warmed room, Hooded with light from multiple sources, where the
children can play in safety, with nothing but their eyes shielded from
the rays. The present method of short exposures, with children sitting
or lying inert, has its obvious disadvantages."
HAROLD WALLER,
Medical Officer.
REPORT OF DENTAL SURGEON.
To The Medical Officer of Health,
The Borough of Poplar.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report of the work carried
out at the Old Ford Maternity and Child Welfare Dental Clinic for the
year 1926.