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disease fluctuates with nutritional standards. If that was so, it would
suggest that nutrition was the trigger mechanism rather than the underlying
cause. The reverse is usually thought to be the case.
Ulcer of the Stomach and Duodenum (Peptic Ulcer)
Here again there was an increase and nutrition might well have a trigger
effect on Peptic Ulcers.
Gastritis, Enteritis and Diarrhoea
The figures remain about the same and these are preventable deaths. This
is another point in which the Public Health Service could be improved.
Nephritis and Nephrosis
There were three deaths, one in relatively early life between 25 and 35,
the other two over the age of 55. This is a feature of nephritis. The
sufferer is either carried off relatively early or lives until the 50's.
Heart Disease
There is an increase in deaths from heart disease. The increase was
about 10% and was fairly evenly spread through the age groups 45 and upwards.
Compared with 1960 there were four more deaths in the 45 to 55 group from heart
disease and this is the only factor that seems at all significant. It is
possible that in this group the same factors are operating as in Angina.
Tuberculosis
There were again four deaths all over the age of 35. Two men and two
women died of the disease, one woman being over 35 the other over 75, both men
being over 45.
Suicide
If suicide is a sign of mental ill health, Edmonton was relatively healthy
in 1960, and relatively unhealthy in 1961. In 1960 there were four suicides
and in 1961 thirteen. In 1961 men predominated, nine out of thirteen.
Hyperplasia of Prostate
This is of course, a male disease. The four deaths were all in men. It
is possible that this disease is preventable, but we have not at the present
moment sufficient knowledge to prevent it.
Cancer of the Breast
The rise in deaths from this cause is disturbing. Breast feeding is said
to protect against Cancer of the Breast, and these figures may be a reflection
of the decline in breast feeding that has been going on over the past 40 years.
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