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55
HEALTH EDUCATION
Children are a priority target for Health Education and healthy
habits inculcated at an early age can set a life long pattern. Courses and
classes by Health Department personnel are therefore available on
request from head-teachers and an increasing amount of time is being
spent in this field. An example is a course on personal health to 11 year
olds in primary schools, which with the earliest onset of puberty,
incorporates the physical changes which will occur in the next two years
of their lives, including the reproductive system. This is often referred to
as sex education and it is unfortunate that, with some, this subject has
become almost an emotive issue. In fact there is nothing new about formal
sex instruction—as it has been quietly going on in our schools for some
years, without too much fuss, and taken in context is quite acceptable to
the children, who show a lively and intelligent interest in the way their
bodies work. Much of today's controversy has been due to the views of
some ultra progressives and the production of some new visual aids, some
good some not so good. It must be stressed however, that a visual aid,
such as a film, is only an aid, and the relationship built up between the
speaker and class is still of prime importance. Experience has shown that
those parents who have attended meetings on the subject are overwhelmingly
in favour of their children receiving instruction.
Courses are continued in secondary schools, when in their final
years the problems of adolescence, human relationships and responsibilities,
play a prominent role. The problem of venereal disease is discussed, and
films on child birth are shown to both girls and boys—it is interesting
that with the latter, the girls are far more sophisticated than the boys,
some of whom do not always like what they see.
Having completed the cycle of all schools over the last four years, the
annual Dental Health Campaign was concentrated on new school entrants
starting since that time. There is no doubt that this campaign, involving
much audience participation, has a considerable impact. All infants
receive a dental hygiene pack consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste and
beaker, together with an apple as an encouragement, and most important,
a letter to their parents asking them to continue the teaching within the
home.
Talks were also given on smoking and health at secondary schools
which should perhaps be extended to primary schools, as even at 12
years old some boys (and girls) are regular smokers. Again the questions
asked indicate much interest and the younger age groups are most
receptive, as opposed to some 17-18 year olds, perhaps already addicted,
who are far more cynical and would seek an excuse to reject the evidence.
Publicity was also given to the national campaign against smoking,
sponsored by the Health Education Council. Anti smoking clinics are a
possibility as there are some smokers who do accept the evidence, but