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of those who give a positive reaction. The skin test is omitted for older
children and adults, and all are offered an X-ray. Four cases of pulmonary
tuberculosis were notified but in only one case was it considered necessary
to carry out an epidemiological investigation.
Regulations as to Infectious Disease
These Regulations are based on current Ministry of Health policy and set out the
types of infectious disease together with exclusion periods. All head teachers have a
copy.
Health Education in Schools
In addition to the everyday work of the School Health Service, which is largely
educative in nature, health visitors have for many years been playing an active part
in a specific health education programme in operation in the borough. In order to
equip themselves for this work, two health visitors each year have attended a course
extending over 42 weeks on "Modern Methods of Health Education".
The programme given in schools during the year was as follows:-
1. A series of talks to senior girls and boys on all aspects of preparation for
adult life. The course consists of 12 one hour lessons and the subjects
include sex education, venereal disease and the harmful effects of smoking.
Eight senior schools participated in this programme. During the year 396
lessons were given. Talks were given on specialised subjects (i.e. Family
Planning) to certain other senior and technical schools.
2. A series of talks to junior schools, consisting of two or three lessons of
one hour, on anatomy and physiology, particularly in relation to changes at
puberty. Seventeen junior schools are participating. During the year 51 talks
were given.
3. A dental auxiliary has been mainly responsible for dental health education
on a formal basis and has given talks in primary schools, illustrated with a
film. In May, Pierre the Clown gave short talks on dental hygiene to children
in a majority of the primary schools in Acton and Ealing. This was a novel
and interesting way of conveying health education to young children.
4. Talks to school leavers on food hygiene are given by public health inspectors.
During the year 16 talks were given to 640 children.
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