HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1927, Page 8

HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE.

An interesting review of the health research activities undertaken by his department was given by the Minister of Health (Hon. J. A. Young) at Hamilton on Monday last. Of course in such work it is rarely that any marked advance can be recorded in regard to the treatment or prevention of any particular malady in a given period. It is only by continuity of research that results may be looked for. Thus, while the Minister was unable to announce any startling discoveries, he was able to point to a good deal of investigation made into such diseases as infantile paralysis, goitre, tuberculosis and cancer. The need for research in regard to all these is emphatically displayed in the mortality returns of the Dominion and in the details of work at the various public hospitals. Mr. Young also indicated the programme for the coming year, which is to be on the same practical Linej as that for the twelve months that has ended. He was able to point, with a satisfaction that will be generally shared, to the excellent results which are attending the dental clinics at our primary schools. Figures he quoted, however, show that there is still a good deal to be done before all primary school pupils undergo the dental supervision. that is so desirable. Out of the 200,000 children attending the primary schools only 36,000 are having dental treatment. There are 7(5 dental nurses now in the field, while to cope with the needs of all the schools not less than 300 trained officers will be required. At present 65 trainees are undergoing their training, and the quality of the work done by -newly qualified nurses is proving most satisfactory. In any health research work the force of the old adage that "prevention is better than cure” is always made evident* There is no better preventative of disease than proper attention to children’s teeth, and it is satisfactory to note that this important work has the enthusiastic support of the Minister of Public Heallhl