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The significance of health education in the
vast field of public health is now an established
fact. The public, generally speaking, is still
to a great extent oblivious of the work being carried
out in the sphere of public health on its behalf.
That is why health education has such a vital part
to play. The fruits of this work are shown by
the very large numbers of the public who have taken
advantage of poliomyelitis vaccination. Every
method of bringing to the public factors of topical
interest must be pursued; and every endeavour, by
all means available, must be made to stress the
fundamental principles upon which the healthy
individual and community are based. Health
education is as far as possible projected at those
age groups and sections of the community which are
most in need of it, without making the cardinal
mistake of always speaking to the converted, and so
neglecting those groups which are most difficult to
reach. Our programme of health education in
Friern Barnet is, I venture to say, reasonably
comprehensive.
Once again, I am very happy to state
that the relations between the Public Health Depart-'
ment and the people of Friern Barnet have remained
extremely pleasant. I think it can truthfully
be said that the Friern Barnet residents now appreciate
that the Public Health Department is here to help
them, that our sole aim is to ensure conditions within
the Urban District which will favour sound health and
well-being. By the same token, the relations of
the Public Health Department with general practitioners
have remained on a very high level. This is
equally important, since we must depend upon the
general practitioner, with his intimate relations
with families and individuals. I cannot speak
too highly of the co-operation which I have received
from the general practitioners of Friern Barnet,
and would take this opportunity of expressing to
them my very grateful thanks.
I must also mention the co-operation which
exists between the Public Health Department and the
Middlesex County Council. Our work must of necessity
be closely inter-related. It must also be
harmonious if maximum results are to be achieved.
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