London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hillingdon 1971

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]

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During 1971, 87 new issues were made and of these, 48 were returned in the year. In 33
cases there had been a successful result whilst in 9 cases, the result was unsuccessful. The results
of 6 cases were not disclosed by the parents and are being further investigated. 39 alarms were
still in use on the 31st December, 1971, in addition to the 2 issued in 1970 (total 41).
Altogether 78 specific results were known in 1971 of which 59 were successful (75%) and
19 unsuccessful.
On 31 st December, 1971, there were 74 children on the waiting list to be seen at the Enuresis
Clinic.
HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
Mrs. P. Mahy, S.R.N., C.M.B. (Part I), H.V.Cert., Community Care Cert., F.E. Teachers Cert.,
M.I.H.E., M.R.S.H.—Principal Health Education Officer
"A wise physician instructs the healthy."—Emperor Huang-Ti of China 2,700 B.C.
History of Health Education
The law of Moses, laid down in the Old Testament, enshrines a traditional code, much of
which is directly concerned with maintaining practices conducive to personal and community
health. The Ancient Greek was an educated man, combining moral, intellectual and physical
excellence as an ideal. Christ's teaching was of both physical and spiritual needs. Chaucer's
physician was greatly concerned with diet. John Ardenne (1376) a physician, was mindful of the
need for hygiene. Ruskin and Dickens, to name but a few lay-men, were also concerned with
both mental and physical well-being.
In spite of this long history and the famous persons mentioned, Health Education is a comparatively
young discipline. There is no doubt that health education is making a wider impact.
The subject is now seen to be desirable within schools, colleges and teacher training establishments.
Since most patterns of human behaviour are developed during the years of formal education,
this provides an ideal situation to impart information in order to promote a healthy way of life
which it is hoped will be maintained. The policy of "building health into education" is established
by liaison between Education Officer and Advisors, teaching staff and the health department,
Health Education in schools being structured as appropriate to local needs, age and development.
Health Education is essentially "team work" providing both active participation and an advisory
service to Headteachers as required. The Health Visitors maintained their high standard of health
education in schools throughout the year. Support was offered to Mother's Clubs where such
exist. It is hoped to extend the services to schools, indeed many approaches from Headteachers
are currently being received.
A study day for teachers was organised on 30th January, 1971, the subject being "Drug
Abuse and the School Child". This was arranged by Dr. J. S. Horner, Director of Health Services
and held at Douay Martyrs R.C. School, Ickenham. Speakers included Professor F. Camps, Dr.
Chappie, an expert in this field, Inspector Piatt (Metropolitan Police); Dr. Horner, himself a well
known speaker, summarised the conference.
Parent Teacher Associations are requesting more specialised talks. This involvement of the
parent is highly desirable and one which will be encouraged more as the unit expands.
Colleges of further education are also calling upon the Health Education Service; currently
a programme for Brunei University is being processed.
Projects, visits and general information have been made available to many students of varying
age groups. This field of work is becoming greater and demands much time and energy from
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