IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21483, 27 May 1935, Page 20

IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH

INVESTIGATION OP NATIONAL I DIET It b becoming more clearly recogBlst'd among scientists and dietitians that the health and physique of a nation are largely dependent on the diet of the people. Statistics show that there is a room for great improvement in the health of the people, especially in New Zealand, where there is a high incidence of goitre and dental caries. In an attempt to improve the national health, the Home Science Depar .ment and the Association for Country Education have decided to carry out a full investigation on the diet of New Zealanders. The object of this study is not mere curiosity, but a desire to improve the health and well-being of the community, by discovering whether faults occur in the national diet, and trying to remedy them. From the information ganed it is hoped to be able to make suggestions for improving the New Zealand diet, with little, if any, increase in its cost. In to induce householders to undertake the work of this investigation—the amount of food consumed by a family for a period of one week—the department is offering prizes for the most complete and accurate records. Householders are' required to in special forms showing the number of persons in the house, the menu ior the week, and the amount and kind of food eaten. Th« dietary studies may be forwarded until October 1, 1935, and Instructions v/ill be supplied on request by Dr. Elizabeth Gregory. Home Science Derjartmcnt, Otago University, or the Association for Country Education, Otago University, Dunedin.