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ways the type of district in which to put into operation
an enlightened and enlightening programme of health education.
It may be said that most of our citizens are quite capable
of knowing what to do and that, in fact, they require the
minimum of guidance. On the other hand, it must equally
be realised that, for one reason or another, mistakes are
made and errors committed. Too often these mistakes or
errors are not deliberate, or even accidental. They stem
from lack of true knowledge, from the inherent apathy which
has always beset the human race until something goes wrong.
I make no apology for once again stressing this point.
If we were to neglect health education, either because the
cost was considered exheorbitant or because it was not thought
to be worth the trouble, the effects might not be immediately
seen, but without the slightest doubt they would, in time,
be felt.
Since taking up my appointment as Medical Officer of
Health of Friern Barnet, a feature of the district has struck
me very forcibly. This has to do with what one might describe
as the outward appearance of the Urban District.
There is not the slightest doubt that the appearance of any
district has an effect, sometimes a profound effect, on those
who live and work within its confines.
So far as parks, open spaces, grass verges and
excellent planning are concerned, we have much for which to
be thankful. But that is not the end. Pleasant gardens,
tidy streets, houses whose exteriors are pleasing to the eye
these factors are also quite important. We are indeed
fortunate that, in Friern Barnet, anyone passing through the
district could not help but be impressed by what they saw.
I am fully convinced that this feeling of pride is also
engendered among our citizens, that it has a psychological
effect on health which, although perhaps not of major significance,
should never be overlooked. It also shows - and
this is equally important - that there is, in Friern Barnet,
a sense of civic responsibility, of pride in one's possessions
and in one's locality, which augers well for the future.
Just as the mind can affect the body, so does the appearance
of the place which we regard as our communal home exercise a
distinct influence on our outlook.
I would again stress that this may not be a factor
of profound importance, but its effect is none the less woven
into the pattern which makes up the health of Friern Barnet.
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