Positive Health and the Relationship of Man to his Living Environment

Abstract

Positive health, although exceptional, was seen in certain races, and was therefore an attainable goal. No lesser goal was worthy of the public health service. The evidence of the physical, mental and spiritual ill-health in the community was the challenge for the future. The way ahead was by a consideration of human health within the laboratory of the living world about us. Man's place in the cycle of life was described and the consequences of his breach of that cycle pointed out. The purpose of disease in nature was shown to be a part of the essential cycle of growth, fruition and decay. Indications were given of neglected experimental work showing the intimate association of soil, plant and animal health. It was contended that disease in man, as in the plant and animal world, was largely an indication of imperfect nutrition. Malnutrition in man was shown to arise from an insufficiency of the orthodox advice coupled with a lack of discernment on the part of the consuming public, whose main source of food supply was grown on impoverished soil and further depleted by manipulation and staleness. Corrective measures included education of health workers and elected representatives, and the need for a widespread return of our waste products to the land was stressed.