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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1967-09-21, Page 9aClinton News-Record AtlLMW.JBA_~, 102nd Y»af THF .HURON RECORD w B«1h Yw THE CLINTON NEWS-RECORD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1967 SECOND SECTION Huron public health unit Health counselling offered Although Dr. G.P.A. Evans is on hand at each Well Baby Clinic in the county and is generally engaged in giving the required immunization injections, the nursing staff can administer the dosages of serum. Here Mrs. Royce Macaulay looks after three-month old Graham Anthony and three and a half year old Frankie, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sommerville, Clinton, assisted by Mrs. Arnold Riley. Small pox vaccinations, however, must be given by the attending doctor. Immunization key to good health National Immunization Week, organized by the Health League of Canada, in cooperation with health departments, is being ob­ served throughout Canada for the twenty-fifth consecutive year - the week of September 24. This is an annual reminder that - immunization’ is available ‘ for protection against diphthe. ria, whooping-cough, tetanus,- poliomyelitis, measles and smallpox. Physicians and health departments carry on year- round programs of immuniza-. tion but there are still unvac­ cinated children in our com­ munity. Some of these diseases have been practically eliminated by the use of immunizing agents. Poliomyelitis, a much-feared disease before Salk vaccine was in use in Canada, has now been reduced from 8,878 cases in the peak year (1953) to 3 cases in 1966. Diphtheria which was the dread disease of child­ hood, has had a spectacular re. duction in incidence. In 1943, the year National Immunization Week was established, there were 2,804 cases and 287 deaths in Canada. Last year there were 37 cases. We all know what smallpox is, though many of us have never seen a case. There is no natural immunity against smallpox. Anyone who has not been vaccinated may catch it. Vaccination is the only protection we have against it. Measles is still one of the most dangerous of childhood diseases, with complications in many cases. Vaccines are now available in this country which will protect against red measles or rubeola and its complica­ tions. The President of the United States issued a statement in early March of this year cal­ ling, for the eradication of . measles, in the United States '"’*Tif‘T9’6't.‘,Hfe said that the goal can be accomplished with the immunization of an additional eight to ten million children in the United States. About 20 million children have already been immunized and we know that measles can be eradicated, just as smallpox has been wiped out in the United States. The Canadian Pediatric Society has endorsed the use of measles vaccination and ad­ vises parents to consult their family doctor regardingprotec- tion of their children against measles. Some health depart­ ments are also conducting im­ munization programmes. Parents should keep in mind that all children should be pro­ tected against these contagious diseases and immunization should be begun any time after three months of age. Booster, or reinforcing doses should be given at intervals through the succeeding years as advised by your doctor. The Health League of Canada continues its annual reminder to Canadians that immunization is available and National Immuni­ zation Week is not just another week but it could be a life, saving reminder for parents of children who are not yet protected. Mrs. William Brown looks after the registration desk at the Clinton Well Baby clinic. Here Mrs. Paul Goldsworthy and Kimberley (left) and Mrs. Elliott Haviland and Shelly, all of Clinton, sign in for the free health service provided by the county for the well being of all mothers and young children. These clinics are just part of ah extensive service offered by Huron county for every resident. IMMUNIZATION WEEK In the case of the Well Baby Clinic which comes to Clinton each month as a Public Health service provided by the County of Huron, a great deal depends on fhe name of the program, In the past when the regular Visit by the, Unit was known as the Immunization Clinic, mothers were not aware the program provided infinitely more than a series of inject. • ions tor protection against disr ease. Although immunization is still a vital .arm of the service, with a change of name, county officials hope to inform mothers that the clinics were set up as much tor them as for their Children. Five important features of • the Well Baby Clinic were in evidence in the Nurses’ Resi­ dence at Clinton Public Hospi­ tal where many mothers and their tots were - gathered on Friday morning. Registration is • the initial step. At this desk, mothers have an opportunity to enroll their children in the most compre­ hensive health program the county has to offer. Through tax dollars paidby Huron County residents, public health staff systematically maintain gen­ eral information records about children from birth tlwough pub­ lic schdol years. At the Well Baby Clinic, the registration desk keeps files on every child in. attendance with an eye to assisting parents and later on perhaps, teachers, ; as far as the health of the ' youngster is concerned. The nurse at the desk is often help, ful in directing mothers to pro­ per departments within the clinic should this be desirable. Second step is the general examination centre where nur­ ses will weigh babies and other children, discuss any specific problems the mother may have and make suggestions regarding the continued happy relation­ ship between mother and child- ren. Should the mother wish to discuss any particular subject at greater length, the next step is a counselling desk where an­ other nurse will take all the time needed to listen to mother and advise her accordingly. Staff at the clinic find that women who are raising their first child benefit from under- standing counsel about feeding, eating, sleeping, toilet and be­ haviour training as well as advice regarding immunization and general physical and emo­ tional upsets. Often, mothers, want to talk about their own health and the problems they encounter managing a house and a family at the same time. Occasionally, mothers with several children appreciate the opportunity to discuss the care and happiness of older children. Always, the nurse at. the coun- selling desk is eager to hear. The next stop, if necessary, is a visit to the immunization department where Dr. G. P. O. Evans and public health nurses administer the serum tor the prevention of tetanus, diphteria, whooping cough, polio, red measles and small pox. Staff at the clinic will advise mother on the proper times to begin an immunization series, when booster injections are re­ quired, which serums should be obtained and how to care for' the sometimes irritable child who has visited the im­ munization desk. Mothers are also encouraged to keep a record of the child’s V immunization visits and to fol­ low through the program once it has been begun" Either upon arrival op before leaving, mothers may want to just sit and visit with the other mothers and children who have come to the Well Baby Clinic. At Clinton, all are tree to spend time together, in the comfortable lounge adjacent to the clinic. Although this is not a prescribed part of the ser­ vice, it is a valuable addition 'which appeals to some women Who enjoy the opportunity to “talk -Shop’’, . Most of all,' the Well Baby Clinic in Clinton is a pleasant spot to obtain the very best health service and information regarding child care and motherhood. Huron County pro­ vides the up-to-date program fpr all mothers and children in the hope that better health will be the reward. Mothers can keep a close gress through the weigh-in service provided by Huron County Public Health Unit. Here, nurs*3 Mrs. William Roberton weighs six-month old Robert Dupee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Dupee, cimton. Mothers are urged to bring record eye on baby’s pro-cards provided by tne unit to keep an accurate log of the baby’s progress each month. General conversation about baby is encouraged at this point in the visit and mothers find nurses are' genuinely interested in the good health of each child they see. Modern mothers find counsel I When Grandma was raising her family, she had to depend on her own intelligence and the experience, perhaps, of her mother when it came to what was beneficial to the health and h aopiness of her children. To­ day’s modern mothers can draw from years of professional child health training - and it is all free of charge through the local Well Baby Clinic in connection with the Huron County Health ' Unit. More and more young, active women with children are find­ ing the Well Baby Clinic offers sound, friendly advice on every­ day problems which are part of growing families. Though at one time it may have been con. sidered a sign of weakness for a mothei’ to seek advice on rearing her own offspring, mod­ ern mothers know it is a time­ saving, comforting method to • avoid mistakes and prevent pro­ blems. Mothers rely on the wisdom of public health workers to guide them on proper diet for babies and. young children; how to as­ sess the progress of baby; how to identify a sick child and what to do until the doctor arrives; how to dress baby for the out­ doors in summer and winter; what to do in case of falls and accidents; how to handle temper tantrums; how to estab­ lish toilet training; how to over­ come personal fatigue though caring for a family; and what to expect from hubby in the way of assistance. Public health officials are Staff working with the Public convinced that happier families are the result of understand^ ing and knowledge, the main reason for the counse partment ol the Well Baby Clinics. Health Unit In Huron is hope­ ful that increasing interest will be shown by mothers who have specific problems to discuss as well as those who want nothing more than a sympathetic ear to hear. Scott Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harris, R.R. 3 Clinton is ready to go home when mother says it is time. Although children are apt to find the service an ordeal, mothers hail the program as a helpful and economical measure for the health and happiness of their families.............. ..................... _r ” SEPTEMBER 24 - 30 L .a * • z v - > u i .a (.. !*>’,*/ , 1 The lounge in the comfortable Nurses' Residence at Clinton Public Hospital Makes an ideal place tor mothers and their tots to assemble until they can see the nurses and the doctor from the Huron County public health unit Clinton Weil Baby clinics are held the third Friday of each month from 10 to 12 a.rt., 1 but mothers requiring child health advice during the remainder Of the month will find Mrs, Vera Tudor, public health nurse oh staff iii the Clinton office, most anxious to assist. One of the most important services provided by the Huron County Public Health Uhit in Clinton each month is the counselling session for mothers who are experiencing certain small diffi­ culties With their children. Qualified, friendly nurses are on hahd to advise on feeding programs, behaviour problems, toilet 'training troubles, sleeping habits and emotional upsets of any kind, which may be Causing mothers Concern. Here Mrs. William Daly, Clinton, talks to Mrs. JaCK Evans, publid health nurse from Goderich, about six-month old Janina. Staff at the Well Baby Clinics throughout the county do hot detain any mothers, however, who do not care to take advantage of the counselling service, Understanding nurses will co-operate fully to insure minimum time lost for busy women and their youngsters.