View report page

10
To summarize the position there has been a steady
improvement in the nutritional condition of the children in
the area, and if the statistical returns should compare
unfavourably with those of other areas there should be no
need for any alarm.
The medical inspectors report as follows:—
Dr. Broderick.—"It is gratifying to be able to state that
the physical condition of the school children in my area
improved in the year 1935 as the following table shows:—

" This result has mainly been obtained bv the free milk
granted on medical grounds, and by the system whereby
children can obtain one-third of a pint of milk for a halfpenny,
and by more suitable feeding in their own homes.
"An endeavour is made at medical inspection, at the clinics,
and by informal talks, to impress upon the parents the
necessity of proper feeding and of providing plenty of fresh
air for their children."
Dr. Clarke.—"After seven years' work in the Walthamstow
School Medical Service I feel that I can now make a useful
survey of the nutrition of the children attending our elementary
schools, and it is my considered opinion that it is steadily
improving.
"I consider this improved nutrition to be due to thefollowing
causes :— ,
"1. Regular and systematic medical examinations, when
the parents and children are instructed in the importance of
diet, exercise, fresh air and rest, as the essential factors
governing growth and health.
"2. The provision of milk meals in schools. This additional
milk does much to counteract the bad effects of an illbalanced
diet, e.g., a diet which may contain too much starchy
food such as bread and potatoes, and an insufficiency of
proteins and fats such as are found in meat, eggs and milk.