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GENERAL SERVICES
Health Education
In modern times there has been a crucial discovery of the concept of health. Today
it is thought of as a dynamic process involving the whole person interacting with others
in a complex environment.
The conquest of many of the current scourges of mankind demands personal participation;
it involves the moulding of attitudes and the correction of behaviour so that we
avoid modes of living which are injurious to health and foster those which promote the
best standard of health.
An important object of public health is to increase the intelligent responsibility of
the individual for his own health and that of his community, and to encourage this
sense of responsibility is the prime function of the Health Education Section. Given
below are details of the activities of this section towards this end.
Health Education in Clinics
The bringing up of a family in this ever-changing environment is a difficult task for
parents today and an understanding of the needs of the young child is an essential
part of the equipment for good mothering. Health education in the clinics seeks to
provide the young mother with the knowledge she requires, both before the arrival of
her first baby and in the months and years to follow.
Relaxation and Parentcraft
These classes have continued and been greatly appreciated by expectant mothers.
Some clinics have held an evening class at the end of the course, for husbands to
attend also and in support of the classes the film 'Barnet', which gives the story of
pregnancy and birth has been shown on alternate months for expectant mothers and
their husbands, at both sides of the Borough.
Mother and Toddlers Group
Most clinics are now holding sessions where mothers can come and leave their
children to play under supervision whilst they hold discussions on a wide range of
subjects concerning the health and well being of their families together with other
interests they choose.
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