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The questionnaire was sent to 58 men and 52 women, of whom 26 men and
24 women replied. Of these, 10 men (i.e. 38% of those who replied) and six women
(i.e. 25% of those who replied) claimed to have been non-smokers for one year
subsequent to attendance at the course. Of the 58 men and 52 women who attended
the courses, only 11 men (19%) and 13 women (26%) attended a complete course
and of the eight men who replied four (50%) had not smoked for one year, and
of the nine women who replied, five (55%) had not smoked for one year.
As was to be expected the analysis showed that the fewer the number of
attendances, the less the success in overcoming the smoking habit, if abstinence
for one year can be called success.
Although the results of the inquiry are somewhat disappointing, it would
appear that the clinic does at least help a few people in their efforts to stop smoking.
Recuperative Holidays
This scheme provides holidays for persons who are recovering from illness or
operation but who do not require nursing care. Normally application is made by
general practitioners on behalf of their patients, who make some contribution
towards the cost according to their means. Except in special cases the period of
stay is limited to two weeks. The majority of holiday homes are situated on the
south coast.
During the year 138 adults had a holiday and were observed to have derived
definite benefit from their stay.
Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies
The Council supported the London Boroughs Committee in their approach
to the Minister of Health for the introduction of legislation enabling the fluoridation
of water supplies to be decided nationally. The Minister was not prepared, however,
to accede to their wishes.
The Metropolitan Water Board still adhere to the view that the time is not
opportune to decide their policy as there is no unanimity of opinion among the
local health authorities in the area of their supply.
The London Boroughs Association, formerly the London Boroughs Committee,
announced in September that in the Greater London Area, 26 authorities were in
favour of fluoridation, six were opposed and one undecided.
At the end of the year no further progress had been made and I can only
repeat what I said last year, that I am sure the measure will ultimately be accepted
practice throughout the country but in the meantime a considerable amount of
preventable dental caries will afflict the younger generation.
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