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year's report, suspicion has fallen on obesity, raised blood pressure,
raised blood lipids, lack of exercise and cigarette smoking, as several
factors which could have a possible bearing on the actual etiology of the
condition. Therefore, it would appear to be good practice to control one's
diet, to make sure of a certain amount of exercise each day and above all
to stop smoking forthwith. The main problem, of course, is to get people
to practise these straighforward recommendations.
Deaths from Cancer
In 1970, the number of deaths from cancer was 250 male and 247
female. Deaths from lung cancer increased by 23 to a total of 159 for the
year or a rate per 1,000 of 77.16. Of these deaths 90% occurred in the age
groups 55-57 years with more men involved than women. This follows the
pattern of cigarette smoking of 30-40 years ago. Two reports, one from the
World Health Organisation and one from the Royal College of Physicians,
emphasised yet again the dangers from the effects of smoking tobacco. Full
use was made of anti-smoking health education display material during
the year and reinforced by word of mouth on every suitable occasion.
From personal observations, it would appear that there has been a definite
reduction in the amount of cigarette smoking but it will be some time yet
before the effects of this reduction can be demonstrated in the statistics of
the disease. In the meantime, every opportunity must be taken to change
the public's attitude towards smoking.
Deaths from Accidents
Motor vehicle and other accidents caused the deaths of 51 residents
during 1970. The equivalent figure for the previous year was 30. In the
latter category the percentage of incidents involving the elderly age group
was reduced. All members of staff involved in the domiciliary services
take every opportunity of advising on house safety measures during the
course of their routine visits to houses.
Deaths from Suicide
Eleven people committed suicide during 1970 a decrease of three
compared with the figure for 1969.
Deaths from Infectious Diseases
There were seven deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis during 1970,
with once more a nil return in the case of whooping cough, measles and
acute poliomyelitis.