RESEARCH ON GOITRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22723, 8 November 1935, Page 8

RESEARCH ON GOITRE

DIFFICULTIES TO BE FACED Examination of the incidence of goitre in New Zealand has revealed that 16.55 per cent of the Europeans and 5.75 of the Maoris suffer from it. Dr Phillips, who has recently been transferred to Auckland from Canterbury, remarked that, its occurrence in the north was much smaller. The subject is one which has caused some concern to the health authorities. It was reported at on" time that Sir, Robert M’Carrison, who has made an extensive study of the disease, especially in India, and has put forward what is termed the “ infection ” theory, had intended to visit the Domin ion. His visit has, however, been postponed, but he has forwarded a criticism of past research work in New Zealand, and has made some suggestions for future work. The investigations would involve a considerable amount of field work in the survey of water and milk supplies and sanitary conditions. A paper on the subject of goitre was read at the medical conference recently, and reprinted in the New Zealand medical journal.

The disease is found in many parts of the world where almost completely varying conditions obtain. It was stated at the last conference of the British Medical Association in Australia that it, was on the increase, and the hurry and bustle of modern life was considered to be a contributing factor in causing it.

GOITRE AMONG CHILDREN PREVALENT IN NEW ZEALAND. The high incidence of goitre in New Zealand is a public health problem of major importance, states the annual report of the Department of Health. Of all school children examined in 1931, 16.55 showed some degree of goitre, while in one district the incidence ranged as high as 88 per cent. Parents can help considerably' in preventing goitre among children by always using lodized Salt in place of plain salt. This simple method of combating goitre has been advocated by the medical authorities for many years, and its success is shown in the fact that in a Canterbury school of 452 pupils there was a definite lower incidence of goitre in those using lodized Salt.

Only a minute trace of iodine is required in the diet, and this is admirably administered by using the famous Cerebos lodized Salt. In Cerebos Salt the requisite amount of iodine is compounded with fine, highly'purified salt according to exact scientific standards. Health authorities advise the constant use of lodized Salt for goitre prevention. Cerebos is manufactured in England, and is the finest lodized Salt you can buy.— Advt.