07
Special card records of the vision cases were not kept until after the beginning of the year, so that the 16% of defect is likely to be an understatement.
Teeth.-Conservative dental treatment is much needed for the younger British children, for decay in the temporary teeth leads almost invariably to unhealthy throat conditions, and later to decay in the permanent teeth, with resulting loss in digestive power.
Throat and Nose, Heart and Lung.-Throat and nose defect is somewhat less prevalent here than in England; and rheumatism and rheumatic fever being apparently unknown among Chinese children, very few cases of heart defect are found. Lung subnormality, which in poor hygienic surroundings promises to go on to consumption, is not rare, and a few cases of actual tubercular disease have been found. Good chest capacity being one of the best defences against chest disease, it is important that, in view of the high consumption rate here, the children should be taught to exercise their lungs as much as possible. This is a matter in which drill and games will be of great benefit.
The physique and posture of girls at Belilios Public School showed marked improvement after drill lessons were instituted.
Grant Schools. It was not possible to carry out individual inspection of the children in the Grant Schools, but 13 schools were inspected as to premises, and any special cases among the children were seen.
The remaining grant schools have their own medical advisers, who make a half-yearly report on premises and general health.
Teaching of Hygiene.-Classes in school hygiene and elementary physiology are now being added to the curriculum of the Technical Institute, and hygiene is being made a compulsory study in the training of teachers. For want of a suitable text-book, for teacher or pupil, the hygiene notes of last year have been continued.
The year's inspection and record-keeping, which has been systematized, have given a fair idea of the health conditions here. Enumeration of defects, and statements of percentages, are, however, of little value, unless remedial, and even more important, preventive measures, are undertaken, and it is hoped to make more progress in this direction next year.
6.--SCHOOL PLAYING GROUNDS.
An excellent ground at King's Park has been placed at the disposal of Yaumati School, and is much appreciated. The