View report page

HEALTH WEEK.
The Council in conjunction with the West Ham Insurance
Committee observed Health Week from the 22nd to 27th October,
1928. The Exhibition was held in the large Hall of the Public
Hall, Barking Road, Canning Town, and was open throughout
the week from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibits were divided into
ten sections, viz.: Public Health, School Medical Service,
Maternity and Child Welfare, Tuberculosis, Food, Water, Venereal
Diseases, West Ham Tramways, Demonstrations by the
Electricity Department, and an Enquiry Bureau where information
could be obtained on all matters appertaining to National
Health Insurance Benefits.
In order to avoid the Exhibition savouring of a semi-commercial
affair, no trade exhibits were permitted, the object being to
prevent Trade rivalry and detraction of public attention from the
more vital subjects which formed the true purpose for which the
Exhibition was held.
Four afternoon and six evening Lectures, illustrated by
lantern slides, were given by eminent Lecturers, and were well
attended, and film displays were given in the mornings during the
week at five large Cinemas situated in different parts of the
Borough, when over 14,300 elementary school children were
present to view pictures and receive lessons on simple everyday
health subjects.
In addition to the above, by kind permission of the respective
Managers of five large Factories, arrangements were made for a
series of Lectures to be given to their employees at mid-day and
other convenient times. These meetings were well attended, and
keen interest taken in the subjects.
An attractive and comprehensive Hand Book, containing
the programme of the week and details as to the facilities of the
Health Services, was distributed gratis.
Many factors which had previously been considered extraneous
are now known to be intimately connected with the health
and well-being of the community.
The enormous advantages of electricity as regards lighting and
heating, with its freedom from smoke or injurious fumes; and the
many ways by which it reduces the drudgery of some forms of
labour, should be extolled. The proper ventilation and adequate
space and comfort in the public trams and conveyances is another
important factor; as is of course the keeping in proper order of
the highways and by-ways.
Bearing all these things in mind, it would appear in a town
such as this, Health Week Demonstrations should not be confined
to the Public Health Department alone, but should constitute
more of a Civic Week, when all sections of the Municipal Services
should advertise and elaborate their advantages, most of which
would be found to conduce either directly or indirectly to the
advantage of the public health.
43