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Indeed the administration of the substance oestrogen, which induces menstruation,
produces a fall in blood cholesterol level in patients with atheroma.
The, administration of the substance androgen to men, that is the male sexual
hormone, produces effects associated with atheroma and makes worse those
symptoms already present.
Populations living habitually on low fats diets tend to have lower cholesterol
blood levels and a lower incidence of atheroma than those living on a high
fat intake. It appears that high physical activity and large energy expenditure
lower the rate of atheromatous attacks. Fat people suffer from severe atheroma;
thin people seem to escape. After a fatty meal the blood clots more easily and
it has been suggested that this tendency to clotting might be the cause of the
atheroma which could form in tiny blood clots on the walls of the arteries.
However, the elimination from the diet of animal fat only reduces the cholesterol
blood level about 15 per cent. Most of the cholesterol appears to be manufactured
in the body itself and only a small amount is absorbed from the diet.
Drugs seem to have little effect. It is no use taking oestrogens, for in men
they produce femininity. If men are tempted to take antrogen drugs to increase
sex potency, they are liable to die rapidly with coronary thrombosis. We are
aware of the danger of cancer of the lung from tobacco smoking. There is
abundant evidence of the shortening of lives from heavy consumption of
alcohol.
So we are left with little comfort. You must give up smoking and drinking;
live on a diet adequate in proteins, vitamins and minerals; avoid heavy fatty
meals; be sure not to over eat; and keep your figure slim. Take abundant
exercise in the fresh air. And finally cast out of your mind all thoughts socially
unacceptable about women. In this way you might avoid the dangers of
atheroma and some of the other pitfalls of old age. However you might think
the spartan regime is not worth the few years you might save; for there are
still plenty of other diseases awaiting the unwary, and ready to cut short your
four score years.
HAIRDRESSING ESTABLISHMENTS
The Middlesex County Council Act gives power to local authorities to make
byelaws for ' the purpose of securing the cleanliness of any premises in any
county district used for the purpose of carrying on the business of a hairdresser
or barber and of the instruments, towels, equipment and materials used in
such premises.' In 1938, Twickenham Council made byelaws. No power,
however, is given to register any premises; on summary proceedings penalties
for contravention of the byelaws can be imposed.
These byelaws are very helpful as without them the only legislation for
the control of hairdressers is the nuisance section of the Public Health Act;
the premises would then have to be ' in such a state as to be prejudicial to
health or a nuisance ' before any action other than advising could be taken.
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