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and to maintain it by the avoidance of detrimental habits. A
climate of opinion in which smoking, obesity, or poor dental
hygiene is regarded with the same distaste as lack of cleanliness
in person and clothing can only be achieved by constant pressure
at all levels, from national programmes to local campaigns and
the day-to-day contact by public health workers.
This Council has for many years been active in publicising
information and advice on the promotion and maintenance of health.
Beginnings were made well before the last War. Since that time
a service has been progressively built up which has developed
along with the changing basis of health education. Film shows;
talks, sometimes illustrated either by films or by other visual
aids; training schemes and displays, have become extremely
popular with local organisations ranging from youth clubs to
pensioners meetings. Publicity, advice and assistance in home
accident and atmospheric pollution prevention, instituted by the
Council when both these problems first came to notice, have grown
in impact and emphasis over the years. Permanent poster displays
and the issue of leaflets have formed a continuous means of background
publicity to the general public.
FILM SHOWS AND TALKS
The year 1963 saw much interest and participation in this
service. Recovery from a wane in popularity due, it is believed,
to the initial impact of television has now been completed and has
even exceeded the pre-television demand.
The total of 136 visits denotes an increase of 17 visits
(or 14 per cent.) over the previous year. Average audience
figures remain approximately the same as in previous years, varying
individually from small groups to large numbers in old people's and
youth clubs.
Talks, and talks with films, continue to show a rise in
popularity, but, as can be seen from the Tables below, the film show
still possesses the greater attraction.
Several organisations were visited for the first time and
revisits were often requested upon the realisation of the diversity
of the subject of public health. A number of letters of appreciation
were received following visits by the health education unit.
The general format of programmes followed established patterns.
Where a talk alone is given the programme lasts about 30 minutes,
with time for questions. When films are included with the talk,
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