THE COUNTRY’S HEALTH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5009, 4 August 1926, Page 3

THE COUNTRY’S HEALTH.

PREVENTION OF DISEASE.

PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT.

“A steady and progressive development was maintained during the year in the cause, of preventive medicine, and it can be claimed that rarely in the Department’s history has such impetus been given to reforms to this end.”

The above is an extract from the annual report of the Health Department, presented to the House df Representatives. “In a similar degree,” adds the report, “the example has? resulted in many encouraging evidences of sanitary progress and enlightenment among those, governing authorities and associations, charged with the conservation of public health. With the gradual lowering of the infantile and maternal mortality and infectious disease rates, we, should under normal conditions be able to retain in the future that unique standard of health which has in recent years distinguished the population of this country. Nevertheless, it is felt that we shall lose greatly if the administration of dur health services in any way lessens the sense e.f responsibility in regard to health matters, either in the individual or in the community. It is better policy to teach people to live, healthily and to prevent disease than it is to freat them as irresponsible units for whom care has. to be provided.

“Tuberculosis continues to be one. of the formidable problems. However, the continuation of the downward trend in the incidence .and death rate for this idsease is extremely gratifying. The New Zealand rate compares more than favourably with that of other countries of the world. One cannot overstress the value of sane healthy athleticism and physical discipline in the campaign against this dis,ease. The introduction of the open-air schools is a move in the right direction. The more prolonged treatment being carried out in our sanatoria will ensure a better guarantee of permanent arrest of the disease among those undergoing treatment.”