USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1942-1946 > Part 37
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Last April, engineers from the State Department of Health made a survey of the water-shed and the construction of the public swimming- pool, also analysis of the water. The report made various recommenda- tions for the protection of the bathers. On advice of the State Depart- ment of Health, the local Board of Health closed the swimming-pool temporarily, pending improvement of water-shed and chlorination of water. In keeping with our program in the prevention of disease, it is of paramount importance to have a suitable quality of water entering the pool and maintained at a good standard. Definite plans should be made for a controlled pool in which satisfactory sanitary conditions can be maintained at all times through the use of control equipment.
On September 5th, the Board of Health called a special meeting to discuss ways and means to sub-divide the various duties of our inspect- or, thereby giving him more time for food and milk inspections. The following officers, Dr. Arthur Burke, District Health Officer; Mr. Alexander A. Robertson, Supervising District Health Sanitary Officer, and Mr. Theodore Shepardson, District Sanitary Officer from the State Department of Health were invited to assist them plan same. Also to consider the adoption of pasteurization regulations.
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In view of the fact that last year we had 4% of undulant fever cases reported in the State, the Board voted to adopt pasteurization regulations to become effective April 1st, 1947. Then, too, the safety of milk is of paramount importance and proper pasteurization will prevent epidemics of milk-borne communicable diseases. This measure ought to prevent to a great extent the reoccurence of undulant fever in this community.
The untimely death of Dr. Herve L. Desmarais, Chairman of the Board of Health, was keenly felt by his fellow workers. Dr. Robert W. DeJordy was appointed by the joint Boards of Selectmen and Health, to finish his unexpired term.
In conclusion, the members of the Board of Health wish to express their appreciation to all who have cooperated with our appointed officers, in the promotion of public health.
Respectfully submitted
DR. RAYMOND F. HALING DR. ROBERT DeJORDY MR. ERNEST TETREAULT Board of Health
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Dear Sirs:
As agent of the Board of Health, I hereby submit the following list of contagious diseases reported to this office in the last year.
Chicken Pox
39 Scarlet Fever 16
Dog Bite 35 Pulmonary Tuberculosis 8
German Measles 13 Miliary Tubercolosis 1
Lobar Pneumonia 11
Whooping Cough
7
Measles
41
Anterior Poliomyelitis
3
Mumps 29 Malaria 2
Epidemic Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis Total 206
1
List of Deaths in Town for which this office has issued permits
for burial
DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Acute Pericarditis 1 Coronary Heart Disease 5
Arteriosclerosis
2 Chronic Valvular Heart Disease 2
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease 11 Cardiovascular renal disease 5 Myocardial Failure 7
Hypertensive Heart Disease 2
Chronic Myocarditis
13 Myocardial Degeneration
1
Coronary Occlusion
11
Rheumatic Heart 1
Coronary Thrombosis 13
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DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Cerebral Apoplexy 1 Cerebral Thrombosis 5
Cerebral Embolism 2 Meningitis Meningococcus 1
Cerebral Hemorrhage 18
1
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Acute Bronchitis and enlarged thymus gland 1
1
Bronchopneumonia 8 Miliary Tuberculosis
Hypostatic Pneumonia
2
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
1
Lobar Pneumonia 3 Pulmonary Atelectasis of right lung 1
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Carcinoma of ascending colon 1 Chronic Nephritis 3
Carcinoma of intestines 6 Chronic pyelonephritis 1
Carcinoma of esophagus 2 Cholecystitis with jaundice 1
Carcinoma of liver 1 Cirrhosis of Liver
2
Carcinoma of pancreas 3 Diabetes Mellitus
2
Carcinoma of stomach 6 Infectious. Diarrhea
1
Carcinoma of neck
1 Intestinal Infection with
Carcinoma of tongue
1 perforation
I
Perforated duodenal ulcer 1 Perforated peptic ulcer
Uremia 2
DISEASES OF THE GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
Bilateral carcinoma of ovary with perforation
1
Carcinoma of breast 3 Carcinoma of uterus 1
ALL OTHERS
Anacephalic baby 1 Intercranial hemorrhage
Congenital Anomaly
1 with asphyxia
1
Prematurity 8 Still born
7
Septic Abortion 1
ACCIDENTAL
Accidental asphyxiation 1
Asphyxiation due to inhalation of coal dust
1
Asphyxiation due to aspiration of milk
1
Asphyxiation due to aspiration of vomitus
1
Asphyxiation by suspension
1
Asphyxiation by illuminating gas
2
Accidental suffocation during epileptic convulsion
1
Fractured neck of right femur
1
Fracture of left clavicle with multiple contusions
1
Fracture of skull and left femur
1
Knife wounds of neck and throat
1
Knife wounds of abdomen
1
Stab wounds self inflicted
1
1
Respectfully submitted MARGUERITE C. HOULE, R.N. Agent-Board of Health
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REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1946.
TUBERCULOSIS CLINIC
The consultation clinic, held the third Wednesday of each month in the Town Hall, from one to three P. M. has given the physicians in this area the facilities for confirming diagnosis and checking contacts Any person with a request signed by their physician is admitted for x-ray and examination. The result is sent to the attending physician. Two hundred patients received this service, representing fourteen towns and twenty physicians. Six patients were admitted to the state tuberculosis sanatoria.
During the month of June a mobile unit for chest x-ray, manned by personnel from the State Department of Health was available to all employees of local industries. Twenty-five were served by this unit. Out of 7,868 employees, 5,864 were x-rayed with five small plants having 100%. Ninety-one Town employees were x-rayed, not including school teachers. Seven hundred and eighteen pupils x-rayed, this group included public and parochial high schools, Trade school and school personnel. Total x-rayed, 6,582. Twenty-two cases have been referred to our monthly x-ray clinic for followup.
DENTAL CLINICS
School statistics reveal that children are afflicted with decay of permanent teeth to the extent that six to eight of every ten have this physical detect. Early dental repair is cheaper, more effective, less painful and should be routinely accomplished for each child. With sixty-four clinics maintained by the Board of Health during eight months of the year, many children received this service. Although our program is limited to prophylaxis, filling six year molars, and extraction of deciduous teeth, the results have been gratifying.
Number of children who reported to clinic 568
Number of extractions
Number of fillings 220
15
Number of cleanings
540
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
Since there has been an increased amount of diphtheria in several parts of the country and some cases have been reported in and around Boston, it behooves us to review our immunization program.
In 1929 the Board of Health sponsored the first diphtheria immu- nization clinic for the protection of children. During these past eighteen years three thousand six hundred and seventy children have received these injections of toxoid, and until three years ago each child also was given the schick test at the end of six months, to ascertain the exact number immunized. From the onset of this program we have had a rapid decline in the incidence of the disease. No case of diphtheria
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has been reported in the past nine years-a record well worthwhile. In order to maintain this record it is advisable that all children who have not had protective treatment against diphtheria be furnished this treatment without delay. Emphasis is also made of the advisability of booster doses of toxoid for children who were immunized more than three years ago.
PRE-SCHOOL CLINICS
Pre-school and registration clinics assisted the partents to prepare their children to enter school physically and mentally fit. It's essential to have them free from remediable defects, before they come in con- tact with groups of children. Each child was examined by the school physician and Board of Health dentists. The physical findings, medic- al history, as well as the weight and height were recorded on the health card. Parents were advised to have their children protected against small-pox and diphtheria. One hundred and sixty- seven children at- tended these clinics .
Four boys spent eight weeks at the Sterling health camp. Selection of children was made on the basis of exposures to tuberculosis. During the summer they follow a carefully planned schedule, getting the pro- per amount of rest, recreation, also a well-balanced diet. Each child gained weight. The annual sale of Christmas seals maintains the camp, and pays for the services of a nurse to assist at the monthly tuberculosis clinic.
Pupils in the elementary grades were examined by the school physician, assisted by the nurse. At this time the doctor has the oppor- tunity to discuss with the pupils, his posture, and his health habits. Parents are notified of defects and advised to have same corrected as soon as possible. A steady gain of height and weight indicates normal growth. Nine hundred children were examined. With the cooperation of the State Dept. of Public Health, the pupils of St. Mary's school were given an Eye-test with the Massachusetts Vision Test Kit. This test provides an improved method for detecting children with suspected visual handicap. From those screened by the test, the eye specialist can determine which cases should receive treatment. Two hundred and two were examined-twenty-four failed to pass. Dr. Robert W. De- Jordy, podiatrist ,examined the feet of all pupils in elementary school. Separate notices of defects were sent home to parents.
Communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health were quarantined and placarded according to local requirements.
At this time, I wish to thank members of the Nurses Aide Corps for services rendered in the clinics, also any other organization or indi- vidual who assisted in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
Marguerite C. Houle, R.N.
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REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL PHYSICIAN To the Board of Health
Town of Southbridge, Mass.
The following is the annual report of the physical inspection of pupils in the elementary grades.
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL:
Total number examined
434
Defects requiring notices
100
Enlarged Tonsils
58
Enlarged Adenoids
9
Deviated septum
1
Ears
1
Teeth
97
Cervical Glands
4
Heart
2
Scalp
5
Tonsils removed
16
STE. JEAN d'ARC SCHOOL:
Total number examined
332
Defects requiring notices
158
Enlarged Tonsils
78
Nose
3
Eyes
2
Skin
2
Teeth
146
Cervical Glands
5
Heart
2
Tonsils removed
3
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL:
Total number examined
179
Defects requiring notices
41
Enlarged Tonsils
38
Enlarged Adenoids
5
Ears
1
Skin
2
Eye-squint
1
Teeth
33
Cervical Glands
4
Heart
1
Scalp
6
Tonsils removed
6
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D.
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To the Honorable Board of Health
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit my report as Board of Health Podiatrist for the year ending December 31, 1946.
A total of 1093 children received foot examinations and footgear of approximately 400 children was checked. The footgear survey was made to determine how well or how poorly the school children of Southbridge are shod.
Most all footgear inspected was in good condition. The best shod children were those of lower grades, and also, they had the lowest per- centage of foot defects. From the fifth grade up, however, we find an increasing number of children wearing pumps, loafers, sneakers, san- dals and short, ill-fitting shoes. The number of foot defects in this group is also correspondingly greater and it is my opinion that the one is largely responsible for the other. It is a mistake for parents to allow their children to chose these types of footgear for school-wear for it will invariably lead to poor foot health in a very short time.
Following is a tabulation of the various conditions encountered and the number of cases of each:
Congenital Flatfoot
3 Acquired Flatfoot
36
Weakfoot (2nd deg. flatfoot)
19
Strainfoot
1
Pronated feet
16
Knock-knees
7
Pes cavus
2 Metatarsus Varus
1
Hallux Valgus
9
Depressed metatarsal arch
17
Retracted toes
14
Underlapping toes
6
Overlapping toes
6
Supernumerary toes
1
Toes rigidly flexed
3
Helomata dura
24
Helomata molle
2
Tylomata
9
Hyperhidrosis
10
Bromidrosis
1
Onychocryptosis
2
Onychogeyphosis
3
Fungous infections
9
Verruccae
3
Impetigo
1 Eczema
2
Ringworm
2
Leucoderma
1
Benign growth
2
Acute infectious dermatitis
1
In conclusion, I wish to thank Miss Houle, the Board of Health nurse, for her invaluable assistance ,and the Sisters at the schools for their kind cooperation. I also urge the parents to heed the notices sent them, and to correct these conditions while they are in their early stages and thus more easily amendable to treatment.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. DeJORDY, D.S.C.
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
Repairs and maintenance work predominated again this year, with but very few exceptions. Now that most of the materials of plumbing and heating installations are released for civilian use, together with the staggering amount of long-delayed new housing and alteration needs, there should be no let-up in the building trades for at least 10 years, providing new skilled labor enters the field. Therefore we look forward to an ever increasing expansion in the construction of housing and mercantile buildings in direct relation to the availability of materials and skilled labor.
The following work was accomplished and we installed these fixtures and appliances:
New
Old
Lavatories
103
1]
Water Closets
98
18
Bath Tubs
72
2
Kitchen Sinks
64
2
Laundry Trays
5
1
Sink and Tray Combinations
25
0
Showers
17
0
Urinals
1
0
Slop Sinks
1
0
Industrial Sinks
1
0
Vegetable Peelers
1
0
Dish Washing Machines
1
0
Soda Fountains
2
1
Dental Cuspidors
1
0
Water Pumps
3
0
Beer Dispensors
1
0
Washing Machines, (Clothes)
7
0
Stove and Furnace Coils
17
0
Tankless Heaters
58
0
Water Heaters, (Electric, Gas, Oil, Coal)
46
2
Hot Water Tanks
101
6
TOTAL
625
43
Number of permits granted
264
Number of Inspections
495
Water Tests
18
Unfinished Jobs
29
We also made 8 Sewer connections, installed 6 septic tanks or cess- pools, 6 floor drains, and granted permits for 18 water piping projects and 13 permits for repairs of various kinds.
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We thank those who cooperated with us in enforcing the public health laws, and wish to extend the advisory services of this office for the benefit of all house-owners and taxpayers.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A, CHAGNON, Inspector of Plumbing
REPORT OF FOOD INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The food and beverage establishment owners have improved or built-up their quarters during the past year, especially along Central and Main streets, by installing modern equipment and fixtures.
With the cooperation of the Southern Worcester County Sanitary Inspector and under the standards established by the United States Public Health Service, we expect to complete the preliminary survey of these places in the near future. This survey was started over two (2) years ago, but due to the surplus work brought on by the war in other divisions of our department, we were unable to devote the time and effort necessary to launch a simple and comprehensive program of sanitation in these establishments.
During 1947, we expect to provide a series of lectures and a course of instructions for food and drink handlers, to which the general public will also be invited. These lectures are illustrated with sound pictures and contrary to expectations are not monotonous or dull by any means.
In the course of the preliminary survey, we took bacterial swabbing samples from these establishments and expect to take more in order to be able to have a fair and reasonable approach as to conditions on the average. The equipment and the arrangement of the fixtures were also a matter of consideration.
The bacterial or plate count from the samples we have already gathered range from 32 per utensil to several hundred thousands.
The importance of sanitation in these establishments is all the more obvious when it is stated that almost 300 persons comprise the working force or personnel and over 20,000 people per day patronize these places at least once.
There is nothing of an alarming nature to frighten anyone in these lectures and instructions, but on the contrary, they consist mostly of good housekeeping methods as applied in a public place.
Careless methods are the means of transmitting tuberculosis, measles, common colds, diphtheria, scarlet fever, Vincent's angina,
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german measles, lobar pneumonia, cerebrospinal fever, mumps, influ- enza, whooping cough, and various types of food poisonings.
We hope soon to complete the initial work on this phase of public health and to start this program before summer.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. CHAGNON, Food Inspector
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
During the year, the local slaughtering business has decreased considerably from the war years, but it is yet some 400% over and above peace time activity.
We expect it to drop still more in 1947, but there is every reason to anticipate it will never again be as low as formerly, due to individual and commercial food-freezing, and the personal contentment and cer- tainty of people having a varied supply of meats, fruits and vegetables available at all times, and especially for unforeseen emergencies.
We were present and participated in the slaughtering of the fol- lowing heads of livestock:
Cattle
545 heads
Calves
246 heads
Hogs
228 heads
Sheep
150 heads
Goats
5 heads
TOTAL
1174 heads 877
Number of hours at this work
We have confiscated the following number of carcasses:
Cattle
32 carcasses
Hogs
3 carcasses
CONDEMNED: as unfit for food, 476 lbs. of meat
Altogether, we have had a more than ordinarily active year at this business, but look forward to an eventual stabilization at probably 100% or more of the pre-war average rate of slaughter.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON,
Inspector of Slaughtering
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REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The production and sale of milk and cream barely kept up with the constantly increasing demand and most all dealers could have sold more of these products if production had been adequate.
Your new regulations requiring pasteurization of all market milk and cream by April 1st., 1947, the new type of milk-bottle caps, and the limitations of the use of milk vehicles will be of great benefit to the consuming public by providing a safe milk delivered in a sanitary manner.
During 1946 we issued the following licenses:
Pasteurizing Plants
4
Dealers, (Stores, Restaurants ,etc.)
78
Dealers (Vehicles) 28
Oleomargarine, (Registrations and Licenses)
62
Ice Cream Plants 2
In the milk shed over which we have jurisdiction we excluded 23 cows for mastitis infection and 7 for Bang's disease. Dairy farmers im- ported 132 cows from other states and Canada.
We performed the following tests and analyses:
Butter-fats and Solids
69
Keeping Quality
54
Mastitis
63
Microscopic Counts and Examinations
132
This town disposes of approximately 10,600 quarts of milk daily testing on the average 3.75% in butter-fats, and 190 quarts of light and 85 quarts of heavy cream.
We wish to thank the dealers for their cooperation and assistance in helping us to provide safe milk for the consuming public.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. CHAGNON,
Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen:
No tuberculosis reactors were found this year within our jurisdic- tion, but we have had several cases of brucellosis (Bang's disease) and mastitis infections.
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The state authorities have inaugurated a program of artificial breed- ing which will be a money-saver in itself to farmers and dairymen who wish to improve their herds without the capital outlay of expensive sires.
The state also has a brucellosis and mastitis elimination project in operation now which will also prove of immense benefit to farmers, if we judge by the success of such adventures in the field of animal hus- bandry in other states.
We are now taking a livestock census in this jurisdiction, the first since 1942, but this is not sufficiently completed so as to be included in this report.
During 1946, we quarantined 35 dogs for 14 days (rabies from bites and scratches), and 6 cow barns for containing imported animals which had arrived without the proper health certificate. We imported from other states and Canada, for dairy purposes or slaughtering pur- poses 468 heads of cattle.
To our knowledge, 38 heads of dairy cattle were slaughtered or removed from this milk shed for mastitis infection, and 18 heads for brucellosis (Bang's disease). These diseases incur considerable pecuni- ary loss to the farmers, a loss that can be lessened to a large extent by those who take full advantage of the latest state services by simply pledging themselves to follow a few simple rules and precautions at no great cost or extra effort to themselves.
The turn-over of dairy livestock into beef to supply the meat-pro- duct market has been replaced by the regular and customary supply of all kinds of meat through the long established channels. But most cattle herds in this vicinity could support an improvment program such as has been inaugurated in this state.
We also strongly recommend a rabies inoculation clinic early this spring for our large canine population.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH A. CHAGNON, Inspector of Animals
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REPORT OF STUDY COMMITTEE
Report of the Committee Elected to Study the Advisability of Creating a Department of Public Works
At the annual town meeting in March 1946 the undersigned were elected a committee "to study the advisability of creating a Department of Public Works and to report at the next Annual Town Meeting." In view of such vote the following report is submitted to the voters of the Town of Southbridge.
The committee organized on July 11th with Alfred Peloquin as chairman and Dwight K. Bartlett, Jr. as secretary. Letters were written to those town departments who had functions that might fall under the jurisdiction of a department of public works. Some of these departments and officials were most cooperative but others completely ignored a re- quest for a joint meeting to discuss such action as might be deemed advisable.
It became evident quite early in the study that the legal basis for creating the several town departments varied from acts of the State Legislature to votes of town meetings. Therefore any action along the lines suggested would necessitate an act of the legislature and a ratify- ing vote of the townspeople.
The committee met at various times with the Town Engineer, the Recreation committee, the Building Inspector, the Plumbing Inspector, and the Cemetery Commissioners. Considerable information regarding the operation of each department developed. It was obvious from the start however that the majority of town departments chose to mis- understand the purpose of the investigation and did not cooperate. This is unfortunate as the more the voters know of the operation of the town government the better quality work will be secured and at the same time it would be easier for town departments to secure appropria- tions at town meetings.
The chairman and secretary journeyed to Winchendon where the Chairman of the Finance Committee was interviewed as to the results of creating a town department of public works. Mr. Cranston D. Eld- redge was most informative as to Winchendon's success and the feeling of your committee has crystalized as a result of this trip .
In order to organize a successful campaign leading to the adoption of an act in the Legislature by the townspeople, a tremendous amount of accumulated departmental antipathy to the idea would have to be overcome. The majority of town departments would be affected by such a set-up. Each department is naturally jealous of its own powers and prerogatives. Altogether the department personnel and their friends represent a large minority of the voters in the town. It is a serious question if successful action at a town meeting could be secured where due to the limitations of space the majority of the voters would be disenfranchised.
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The proponents of the Public Works Department feel that it would be possible to secure a better type of public official where only three or five were to be elected rather than the large body of commis- sioners and committeemen we have at present. This overlooks the fact that these Public Works Commissioners would have more responsibi- lity by far than any of the present incumbents. If the present unpaid members cannot do the job to the satisfaction of the voters how can a group that would have five or six times the responsibilty even tho that responsible were delegated to propertly trained and qualified paid per- sonnel?
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