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The report 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 Health Committee 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 planning 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 are really in earnest.
During the year 52 deaths were attributed to disease of the coronary
arteries and angina pectoris, this being the largest number ever recorded in
the area in any one yean This disease has increased in all western countries
since World War I and, despite an enormous amount of research into the causes
of this phenomenon, very little new information has emerged„ It is likely,
however, that a number of factors associated with our modern civilisation
operate together to form a pattern of living which tends towards the production
of this disease,, Overeating generally and, particularly, a diet with a
high animal fat content, sedentary habits with lack of regular exercise, oversmoking
and hereditary factors have all been blamed, probably with good cause,
but the exact mechanism that brings about the coronary accident remains hidden.
Can there be much doubt, however, that coronary thrombosis is part of the
price we pay for the high standard of living which we now enjoy?
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 fluoride.
The Home Safety Act, 1961, empowers the councils of county districts to
promote home safety by giving information and advice on the prevention of
accidents in the home but county councils have, for many years, had this power
under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946. Since 1959, the
Kent County Council have made a grant to the Bexley, Erith and Crayford Home
Safety Committee, through the councils concerned, which has facilitated this
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