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Quite recently, a valuable book by an American
author has been published in this country. This book,
entitled "The Stress of Life", sets out very clearly the
factors which contribute to what I have described as
lack of positive health, factors which often lead on to
a breakdown in health, sometimes with far-reaching
consequences. The author has described this as the
"adaptation syndrome". In simple terms this means
that conditions are being set up in many families and
in many individuals which exert a most significant
influence on the health and well-being of increasing
numbers of the population. The great value of this
book lies in the fact that, possibly for the first time,
an attempt is made to assess these factors at their
proper value, and to suggest ways in which the brake
might be applied. We have still a very long way to
go before we find a solution to what is one of the more
serious problems facing us today. But a solution
must be found. These matters are neither solely
theoretical nor the vapourings of abstract sociology,
I mention them here because the Public Health Department
has a most significant part to play. I feel confident
that the Council will afford us full support in the
efforts which we are taking to try to bring this
problem under adequate control.
Since taking up my duties as Medical Officer
of Health for Friern Barnet, I have concluded this
Report by expressing my thanks to the Public Health
Committee and to the Urban District Council for the
unfailing courtesy extended to me, I would like
to make it abundantly clear that these thanks are no
mere lip-service. I am only too conscious of the
continued support which I receive from the Council
and from the Public Health Committee, and am sincerely,
grateful for it,
I would also extend my thanks to the members
of the Public Health Department for yet another
year's excellent work. Although I would particularly
mention my Deputy, Dr. J. Campbell, whose appointment
as Deputy Medical Officer of Health has been of great
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