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100
Attention has been focussed so very much in recent years
on the damage caused by untreated or inadequately treated Rheumatism
in childhood that the careful observer is alert not to miss
the early signs that will mean that early treatment which can promise
an almost sound heart afterwards. It may be that the ever present
thought of Rheumatism means earlier and readier diagnosis and
treatment. It is by no means unusual however, even now, to encounter
on routine examination, a child with a damaged heart
and only a vague history of ill-health or "growing pains" sometime
in the past. The child has not been ill enough at the time for
a doctor to be consulted, but permanent damage has been done, resulting
in the necessity for the child to be "followed up" for the
rest of the school career in case of a recurrent attack.
There is no evidence that Rheumatism in childhood is on
the decrease either in numbers or in virulence. As this disease
attacks those strata of society where physical fitness is most essential
for wage earning, it will be seen how urgent a problem the proper
care of rheumatism is and that its prevention is one of the most
pressing of public health problems.
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TONSILS AND ADENOIDS.
47 cases were operated on during the period January to
December, 1936, for removal of Tonsils and Adenoids under the
Authority's scheme.
39 were operated on for unhealthy tonsils and adenoids
which have been giving rise to tonsilitis, frequent sore throats or
colds, enlarged glands in the neck, &c.
2 had tonsils and adenoids, and 2 had adenoids only, removed
because of continued ear discharge.
3 cases were operated on because of deafness, 2 having their
tonsils and adenoids removed and 1 adenoids only.
1 child was operated on because she had Rheumatism and
it was considered that her unhealthy tonsillar and adenoid tissue
might be the focus of infection.
AURAL REPORT.
This year 102 cases were referred for examination and treatment
to the Aural Clinic. This means an average of between 2 and
3 new cases every' week, so that it appears that full advantage is
being taken of the clinic. Not all cases so referred are found to be
Suffering from ear disease although most are,