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53
HEALTH EDUCATION
Education is an essential part of any preventive health service which
will fall short of maximum achievement unless supported by an informed
public who must be persuaded to:-
(1) Take some positive action as a result of the information imparted,
e.g. immunisation.
(2) Accept community health measures, such as fluoridation or
clean air.
(3) Change a habit or behavioural pattern which is injurious to
health, e.g. smoking.
Of the three categories the last is the most difficult. This was confirmed
at the Harrow Show when the Departmental exhibition featured "smoking
and health" and the opportunity was taken to invite those smokers who
were unable to stop smoking to attend an anti-smoking clinic. The
response was disappointing, but this experiment has proved successful
in other Boroughs and it is hoped to arrange other clinics on a future
date.
Vaccination and immunisation was also advertised at the Show, as
although these have achieved spectacular results in the reduction of the
incidence of infectious diseases, this very fact has led to some mothers
becoming apathetic and not bothering to take advantage of the service
provided. During the year special emphasis has been directed towards
protection against Rubella. The known association between the development
of foetal abnormalities and infection during pregnancy was the
subject of a special campaign in the clinics. A film was also shown in
some schools to those girls in the age groups to whom vaccination was
being offered before child bearing age.
Exhibitions featuring the "Council's Health Services" were also
staged at the Granada Cinema and the Greater London Council's
Ambulance Service Championships at Stanmore Park.
The health visitors carried out a programme of health education in
clinics in respect of ante-natal instruction and relaxation classes for
expectant mothers and mothercare classes for mothers. Fourteen film
evenings on child birth were also arranged for expectant mothers supported
by films on such subjects as dental care and home safety. Their
husbands were also invited and the men often contributed much to the
discussions which followed the films and there is no doubt that the
informed husband is better able to support his wife during pregnancy
and the post natal period.
A number of schools took advantage of the offer of a programme of
health education in both junior and senior schools. These courses were
conducted by the health visitors and the subjects discussed in the junior