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VITAL STATISTICS
Accidents (other than motor accidents)
Falls account for most of the accidental deaths. In 1961 only one
accidental death from coal gas poisoning was recorded. Angina in each sex
accounted for more than ten deaths than in 1960. Those who were physically
energetic, whether by the nature of their job or by personal inclincation, seem
less liable to Angina. The plumper souls among us seem more liable, but
whether this is because they eat too much or move too little is difficult to
say.
Bronchitis and Pneumonia
There were no more deaths from Pneumonia than in 1960. There was a sharp
rise in deaths from Bronchitis and also (excluding Cancer of the Lung) in deaths
from other diseases of the respiratory system. Influenza infection plays a
part in deaths both from Influenza and from Bronchitis. It is probable that
the Influenza epidemic was responsible for the main increase in respiratory
deaths. It may also have played a part in the increase of deaths from heart
disease.
Cancer of the Lung
It was most unusual to record a decrease in Cancer of the Lung deaths.
It is possible that 1960 was the high water mark of the incidence of this disease
as the 1962 figures, now available, are much higher than those of 1961, but are
about the same as those for 1960, In Edmonton so far, deaths from Lung Cancer
in women remain common and the main bulk of deaths occurs among men. A few men
die from this disease between the ages of 35 and 45 years, but the main instance
is between 55 and 75 years. A cigarette smoker can reasonably look forward to
getting his family off his hands before Lung Cancer claims him.
Hypertensive Heart Disease
The incidence was about the same.
Influenza
There were not many deaths, but an increase from one death to six is a
notable increase.
Leukaemia
The number of deaths again rose. There were ten deaths, three under the
age of 45 years and seven over.
Cancer of the Stomach
There was a noticeable increase in deaths from this cause, which is disappointing
after a reduction in 1960. In the country as a whole, 1961 was not
regarded as a year of prosperity, and it is therefore not impossible that this
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