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Nationally it is known that the chief causes of absenteeism
are the respiratory diseases and especially chronic bronchitis,
rheumatism, the so called 'psychosomatic' group of diseases and
more obvious mental ill-health.
Respiratory Diseases:- The general principles outlined
when considering the prevention of infectious diseases apply to the
prevention of other respiratory diseases which are of an infectious
nature, e.g. colds, influenza, acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
The term 'Chronic Bronchitis' is one which calls for a clearer
definition: it is generally applied to a collection of symptoms,
possibly caused by a variety of circumstances or organisms, which
recur time and again in the same patients. Much research is
needed and is now being given to ascertain how and why this
disease begins, as well as into the best treatment. All that can
now be suggested to a layman is that he should try to avoid the
acute respiratory infections; when he fails to do so he should see that
the infections are completely cleared up before ceasing treatment
and resuming work. Unfavourable climate, smoking, certain dusty
occupations and poor housing conditions may all be conducive
factors needing to be investigated. Meanwhile the sufferer should
avoid, as far as practicable, these and other potential irritants and
should learn to live within the capacity of his damaged lungs.
'Rheumatism' also covers a number of abnormal conditions,
from the acute rheumatism, usually of childhood, to the
osteoarthritis with permanently damaged articular surfaces of the
joints. The former is now, fortunately, a much rarer sequel to
throat infections, and the damaged hearts which frequently
occurred should now be avoidable given adequate initial treatment
coupled with graduated exercise when necessary.
Rheumatoid arthritis, usually a disease of younger women,
would be classified by some as a 'psychosomatic' complaint i.e.
one in which it is the person's mental condition which, at least
originally, causes the physical symptoms. If this is so the cultivation
of a healthy mind would appear to be a logical preventive
measure.
Most people complaining of 'rheumatism' suffer from some
form of muscular trouble which may have originated through such
diverse causes as dampness or even prolonged mental tension and
strain. While direct treatment, e.g. by heat, electricity and drugs
can assist, their handicap can be greatly reduced, as also in the
case of osteoarthritis, by building up the general health, the reduction
of anxiety and worry, and by using the parts affected fully,
within reason.
The 'Psychosomatic group' of diseases grows annually as
the influence of the mind over the physical is more generally recognised.
Asthma, duodenal ulceration, rheumatoid athritis and some
cardiac diseases are those most widely attributed to a mental origin,
but a much larger number are suspect. It is also recognised that
the mind can very materially affect the course of other diseases,
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