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42
HEALTH EDUCATION
Miss &S. Elliott, S.R.N.. H. V. Cert., Dip. H. E.
Health Education Officer
"(Sir,) I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to
find you an understanding." Dr. Johnson.
Health education techniques of all kinds have been used by
many members of the staff during the year, but the greatest progress
of all has been made in the running of discussion groups.
These are some of the most effective weapons of health education.
New ideas, stimulation of thought and active participation are
thoroughly enjoyed by these friendly well established groups.
It is refreshing to see individuals trying to understand the
problems of others and by so doing sometimes seeing their own in
perspective.
Mothereraft Classes
These courses of six classes (run by the Health Visitors)
have now been extended to cover an extra session to which tbe
fathers are invited. This is held half way through the course
so that during the following week or two the mothers can continue
to ask Questions which have occurred to both parents. The
groups are kept as small as possible; the attendances are so
good and the discussions on tbe emotional, social and physiological
aspects of parenthood are enjoyed so much that the staff
feels that the extra time and effort involved is very well worth
while. The general attitude of many of the staff towards these
classes is changing too. The practical work and demonstrations
of course continue, but the lectures are less formal and the
discussions more provocative. For example, some have altered
the talk on clothing and equipment. Information about these
items is easily obtained from many sources and so clothing Is
discussed from points of view like these:- What do clothes
mean? Warmth? Protection? culture? Are the quality and
quantity of clothes and equipment a necessity, a demonstration
of love and care or are they sometimes status symbols? This
kind of approach is refreshing for the staff and much appreciated
fay the groups.
Toddlers' and Parents' clubs:-
The two Toddlers Clubs are also thriving. They are held on
days other than those of the regular Infant Welfare Centres. At
fortnightly sessions the doctors see about six children only by