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Finally, the long awaited report on the fluoridation of
water supplies in relation to dental disease has now been
published by H.M. Stationery Office. Striking confirmation
is contained therein that the addition of fluoride to the public
water supply to the extent of one part per million would
bring about a substantial improvement in the teeth of young
children. More will be heard of this matter in the future and,
notwithstanding the controversial nature of the Proposal,it
is to be hoped that the report will result in practical measures
being taken to implement its recommendations.
The report is of particular importance to this area
where the water supply is practically devoid of natural
fluorine.
The recently published report of the Royal College of
Physicians on Smoking and Health has drawn attention to
the smoking habits of schoolchildren as ascertained in numerous
surveys. It is stated that, in general, 11% to 15% of
boys are already smoking small numbers of cigarettes by the
age of 10 years. Girls smoke less often but, by the age of
15 years, about 15% smoke regularly. There is no reason to
believe from such information as is available, locally,that
these figures would not apply to this area. The Committee
for Education are giving much attention to methods of
counteracting this disturbing trend but the issue is a very
complex one, involving both short-term and long-term plan
ning and much more is to be gained from example than from
mere exhortation and the display of posters,important as
these may be. A special responsibility rests not only on
parents but on teachers, doctors and youth leaders generally
to demonstrate, clearly, that they take the subject seriously
by refraining, as far as possible, from cigarette smoking in
the presence of young people. A degree of personal hardship
may, therefore, be inevitable if there is to be any chance of
success of impressing upon children that we really mean
business.
Dr. S. M. Ring has now left the School Health Service
after ten years' work in the Borough and I would like to
place on record my appreciation of the outstanding services
which she has rendered during this period.
As in previous years, I wish to acknowledge the excellent
co-operation that exists between head teachers,parents,school
medical officers and health visitors and to refer to the work
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