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57
Health Education in Maternity and Child Welfare Work.
The conditions necessary for healthy living are brought to the
notice of all who attend the centres, and a large section of the population
is reached in this way, particularly of mothers.
Talks by the health visitors on many aspects of hygiene and
parentcraft have been given throughout the year to groups of
mothers at the centres. Individual explanations and discussions
with mothers are given day by day at the baby-weighing sessions, at
the ante-natal clinics, and during the sale of dried milk and vitamins
by the health visitors. This is the most effective and valuable
means of education.
It has been interesting to see the large number of letters sent
by our evacuated families to health visitors during last year's
evacuation, asking for advice on a variety of problems concerned
with health and child management.
The demonstrations arranged by means of materials in showcases,
poster-frames and on blackboards in the centres have been
an effective method of education. Isotype has been employed in
the demonstration of the importance of diphtheria immunisation
and clean milk. The posters and leaflets of the Ministry of Food
have been of exceptional interest and value, not in the least because
of the design and colour they contribute.
Officers of Rangers and Girl Guide Companies and school
teachers have applied for permission for their girls to gain experience
in their spare time as voluntary helpers in the war nurseries1.
A rota of such helpers has been maintained throughout the year.
The routine work and the layout of the nurseries affords an important
demonstration of healthy living.
A course of lectures on hygiene and maternity and child welfare
work was given during the year at the Park Lane Municipal
Health Centre to members of the A.T.S. stationed on gun sites in
this area.
The education on healthy living carried out throughout the
war among members of H.M. Forces is one of the many factors
which have served to increase the consciousness of health in the community
during the last few years. Measures to secure and maintain
the high standard of health are increasingly appreciated, and
it seems that the educational work of the Public Health service will
increase as the public demand more information and guidance.