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136
Rickets in its severe disabling form is now rarely seen. During the
year frequent demonstrations and talks on this disease and its prevention
were given at the Centres, and the mothers are learning that rickets can be
stamped out and are co-operating with us in an attempt to do so. The
majority of children who attend the Welfare Centres are given prophylactic
doses of cod liver oil and in some cases of Ultra-violet Light. Infants
between the 4th and 9th month seem to benefit greatly by a course of
Artificial Sunlight.
Adexolin (concentrated vitamins A and D) has also been given to many
mothers attending the Ante-natal Clinics.
In order to improve the individual and group teaching at the Welfare
Centres, much of the routine work, weighing, filing and registering, etc.,
has been transferred to Student Health Visitors and voluntary workers thus
leaving the Health Visitors free to give advice and make notes on the child's
progress between medical consultations.
Anyone in touch with Maternity and Child Welfare work in Shoreditch
cannot fail to realize that the general standard of health among the young
children in the Borough is gradually improving, and that the mothers and
fathers are beginning to acquire a real knowledge of Parentcraft.