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Fuller use should be made of these vitamin supplements if the risk of vitamin deficiency from the restricted
supply of rationed and other foods is to be avoided.
SCABIES CLINIC.—At the beginning of 1942 scabies clinics were opened at Isleworth and
Hounslow Health Centres. Afternoon and evening sessions were arranged but attendances were so poor
that the Isleworth sessions were abandoned in March and the evening sessions in Hounslow in May.
Since then all treatment has been concentrated in afternoon sessions at Hounslow. The numbers of cases
treated were as follows :—992 in 1942, 974 in 1943, 643 in 1944, 630 in 1945 and 395 in 1946. No
proceedings have been instituted under the Scabies Order, 1941. Propaganda and experience seem to have
gradually brought about an increasing acceptance by the public of the view that early treatment avoids
much discomfort and that treatment of all members of the family limits the spread of the disease. In the
absence of symptoms it is difficult to convince contacts, especially adolescents and adult males, that they
should submit to treatment.
The same difficulty arises in dealing with lousiness where school children are re-infested by other
members of the family. During recent years a varying number of adolescents and adults have been
de-loused. Some came to the Department seeking treatment, others were referred from factories
and others attended on pressure by Health Visitors and Sanitary Inspectors. At each de-lousing and as
opportunity permits advice is given by the staff on the methods and measures to be adopted to maintain
freedom from infestation. This advice appears to be particularly necessary in the case of adolescent girls.

INSULIN.—Since February, 1943, insulin has been available at the Health Department at cost,
reduced price or free, according to circumstances, to persons suffering from diabetes who are not eligible
to get such under the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act. The following quantities have
been supplied :—670 vials in 1943, 884 in 1944, 745 in 1945 and 514 in 1946.
HEALTH EDUCATION.—Posters and leaflets supplied by the Central Council for Health
Education are displayed and distributed, and on several occasions special efforts were made in regard to
diphtheria immunisation. Food Advisory Officers of the Ministry of Food have attended on several
occasions at the ante-natal and infant welfare clinics. Through the Local Youth Committee eight youth
courses on sex education were given towards the end of 1946. Two courses of lectures on mothercraft
were given at Hounslow Health Centre in 1943 and 1944, but the attendance on both occasions was
disappointing. Medical Officers have given talks on various aspects of public health to several
organisations in the Borough. In the course of their contact with the people in their homes and at
clinics the staff have continuous opportunity for health education and the importance of this aspect of
their work is regularly brought to their notice.