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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (June 29, 1959)
The Inquiring Mind This series of articles, en many different subjects, results from work by senior students at the school of journalism at the University of Oregon. Each is a con densed version of a full-length thesis written as partial requirement for graduation at the school. ' FLUORIDATION: A HEVOLUTON IN. THE NATION'S DENTAL (HEALTH t By Sylvia Rawlinson t The flouridation of public water supplies is one issue on the ballot over which few Americans have remained apathetically ind ifferent. Since it appeared before the yoters in cites of New York and Wisconsin about a decade and a half ago, it has evolved into the most controversial public health issue since com pulsory vaccination was ad vocated. Studies on flourides in con nection with dental health were begun by Drs. G. V. Black and Frederick S. Mc Kay in 1906 in Colorado Springs. As it became increas ingly apparent that the amount of fluoride in tooth enamel had a beneficial ef fect in limiting decay, the United States Public Health Service .appointed H. Trend ley Dean to investigate. In 1945, Newburgh and Kingston, New York began the most extensive public health experiment ever con ducted in this country. Kings ton served as a control city while Newburgh added so dium fluoride to the water supply to bring the fluoride content up to one part per million. This level had, ac cording to all previous find ings, been both safe and ef fective in inhibiting decay. Results of Experiment - Results of this momentous 10-year experiment indicated that the addition of one part fluoride per million parts water reduced tooth decay by 58 per cent among children receiving the treated water from birth to the age of 10. Furthermore, extensive phys ical exams conducted throughout the test revealed that the fluoride in the water had caused no medical de- .- By 1950, the Public Health Service had approved mass fluoridation in communities where the chemical was not naturally present in the water supply. Shortly thereafter, the American Dental associ ation endorsed ttfe measure. It was then that the flourida tion. issue began being buf Jteted about by public opinion. ."In cities considering the Addition of fluorides to the public water supply, the citi zens were deluged with pamphlets, fliers and tele phone calls urging them to keep this "rat poison" out of the water. Wherever fluor idation was a public issue, the same arguments ap peared. Four Major Premises Opponents of fluoridation Jfjse their arguments on four major premises: fluorine is a cumulative poison and ex perimentation has been in adequate to warrant mass ac ceptance, the proposal vio lates constitutional rights of the individual, it interferes with the beliefs of some re ligious groups and it is a Communist conspiracy to un dermine man's nervous sys tem. No one has denied the fact that fluorine is poisonous to man in concentrated dosages. This is not too valid an ar gument in view of the fact 'I suddenly ft 51rcl,ll I could extend our honeymoon f another week' . An extended honeymoon is just one of - many worth while projects that may . 2, require more cash than you have. On such 2. t occasions, see us for a low-cost loan.- We o- act fast to meet your need. Terms arranged - to suit you. ' t J LOANS From $25 to $1,500 T. ' On Auto Furniture Signature - f. LOCALLY OWNED I CRATER FINANCE : CORPORATION . 135 PINE CENTRAL POINT NO 4-1273 -Frmk Wilkinson. Mgr. Convenient Parking No M.e that many chemicals in our basic diets are poisonous in quantity - even table salt. With flourine in water at one part per million, a person would have to drink a whole bathtub of water at one time in order to observe any ill effects. And it might be a real job to discover whether the volume of water or the fluorine was responsible for any reactions. Cumulative effects also are insignificant at this level, as evidenced by the presence of fluorine in many foods. It has also been discovered that the body excretes a large amount of. the fluorine in gested within a few hours. Experimentation Arguments which assert the doubt that fluoridation has not received sufficient ex perimentation a re invalid also. Public health officials have repeatedly asserted that no other public health meas ure' has undergone such ex tensive experimentation be fore recommendation. They refer both to the results of the Newburgh - Kingston 10 year study and to the natural occurrence of fluorides in the water supplies of many cities. The occurrence of brown staining- or "mottling" of tooth enamel was observed only in instances where fluorides occurred in excess of the recommended one part per million. The charge that fluorida tion is unconstitutional car ries little weight. The Su preme Court has refused to rule on it at all, maintaining that it is not a constitutional issue. Even the charge of socialized medicine through "mass medication" is a dram atization. Fluoridation is left to the vote of individual com munities and there has been no federal ruling on the measure. In the strictest sense of the word, fluoride is not really medication, but rather a preventative to be used along with other dental health precautions. Sensational Charge Possibly the most sensa tional and far-fetched charge against fluoridation is that proposed by some who feel that it represents a Com m u n i s t conspiracy. This charge is based on the fact that fluorine, in poisonous dosages, acts on man's nerv ous system to gradually re duce his reasoning processes. An enemy could supposedly dump the stored supply of sodium fluoride in the water supply to destroy the inhabi tants of a city by wholesale means. This is a highly in accurate1 and unlikely argu ment. An enemy would be most ineffective in choosing to poison the water with so dium fluoride. Several tons would be necessary to pro vide lethal concentrations, and storage facilities and equipment of public water works -are simply not con structed to handle such quan tities of chemicals. Many other poisons would provide a more expedient and effec tive weapon for the purposes of an enemy. As a means of bridging all this opposition, alternative methods of supplying fluoride as a dental preventive have been considered. The ideal realized how RUNAWAY TRUCK A heavy grain truck, out of control on a steep hill in Duluth Mum., smashed three homes as wen as an automobile before coming to a halt The truck driver, his wife who was with him, and a motorist were killed, and four other persons were injured. - " MAIL TRIBUNE, Medford, Or. J Monday, June 29, 1959 4-H Club News Can Canners The monthly meeting of the Can Canners 4-H club was held June 17 at the home of the leader, Mrs. Bagley. A demonstration on making grape jelly was given by Christy Elrod. The next meet ing will be held July 15. Judy Bagley, Reporter. Buttered Buns The Buttered Buns met at the home of Barbara Moore Tuesday at 2 p.m. Four dem onstrations were given and Mrs. Barnes talked about pre fair and the contest at the courthouse. Barbara Moore, Reporter. Ruch Appetisers Our last meeting was held at Mrs. Kay Straube's. Louie Barker made a drink made of mashed strawberries and milk. The secretary didn't have any minutes so she gave roll call. We discussed a swimming party at Twin Plunges. Mary Ann Barker will bake a lemon pie and Richard Bottger will make a drink at the next meeting July 11 at Kay Straube's. Louie Barker, Reporter. Reese Creek Renagades A meet of the Reese Creek Renagades was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Calloway. We judged some Angus heifers and had a short quiz. The next meeting club will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips on July 14. David Calloway, Reporter. vehicle for fluoride should be such that its consumption will correspond with the capacity for such intake by the in dividual. At the same time, it should be available to the largest part of the population, from birth to 10 years of age. It is a well-known fact among dental authorities that the most extensive dental neglect occurs among low - income families who are not financ ially able to secure regular dental check-ups. They are also uneducated with respect to the importance of dental hygiene. Alternative Methods Some alternative methods of providing fluoride have been proposed but most of them, fail to meet the de mands of the low - income group. The addition of fluor ide to foods would require ex tensive experimentation and would probably result in ex tremely unequal consumption since diets and tastes vary so among individuals. Flouride pills have been ef fective when used, but the problem which -their use im poses would be one of educa tion as to their proper use and poisonous .aspects if treated carelessly. - For maximum benefit, fluorine should be ingested at the time of tooth forma tion and eruption. From all standpoints, the fluoridation of public water supplies, at an average cost of 9 cents per person per year.is the most logical vehicle. The referendum has re peatedly placed the fluorida tion issue in the hands of the voters. They must decide on a medical and scientific issue which has entered the politi cal realm and is subject to political main pulation by special interest groups. The community' considering fluor idation must be educated about it. Once people are in formed about an issue, they are immune to emotional ap peals. Meanwhile, another generation of Americans with poor teeth is the inevitable result of a lot of irrational and irresponsible thinking. Ike's Policies Blamed by Demos For Price Threats Washington (UPD Demo crats charged today that the threat of new price hikes is caused by President Eisen hower's policies rather than any strong congressional pres sure for "irresponsible spend ing" cited by a cabinet report. House Democratic Leader John W. McCormack (Mass.) generally summed up his par ty's reaction to the report by accusing Eisenhower of try ing to blame the Democratic controlled Congress for the fruits of his own actions. Budget Cut Promised "The Congress always has appropriated less money than Mr. Eisenhower wanted," Mc Cormack said. "So if there is any excessive spending, the President is responsible." He. promised Congress would cut the President's budget again this year. The report, prepared, by a special committee headed by Vice President Richard M. Nixon, urged Congress to thwart a "serious risk" of fur ther price increases by enact ing Eisenhower's anti - infla tion program. It said the coun try is at a "critical juncture" because of inflationary pres sures and congressional senti ment for reckless spending. Tax Relief Hinted The report also hinted that some form of tax relief "can perhaps be realized soon." It did not spell out the kind of "needed tax reforms," saying merely, that "studies are now under way with a view to proposing changes in our tax laws at the appropriate time." Sen. Paul H. Douglas (D 111.), chairman of the Con gressional Economic Commit tee which is making its own study of inflation and other economic problems, denounc ed the Nixon group's report as "a thoroughly milk toast affair." He said it ignored the ad- American Family That show the Ryans Hot.,,. They're happier today Became tomorrow's ptsitiou uj P )C J Yowpead aboot the Ryans and their balanced in surance program in Travelers advertising in Life, The Saturday Evening Post, srod other magazines. Let m show vow how your family can achieve American Family Independence, jst kite the Ryaas. Frrl WW I Insurance fj representing THE TRAVELERS, Hartford, Connecticut Vending Machine Future Predicted New York-(UPD-Vending ma chines will some day cook full- course meals in a matter of seconds and put "automatic groceries" at the housewife's door. So says Robert Z. Greene, chairman of the executive committee of the Automatic Canteen Company of America and president of the Rowe Manufacturing Company. Greene sees the day when complete meals, kept fresh in vending machines by refrige ration or in sealed containers, may actually be cooked elec tronically in a few moments after the coin is inserted. He also predicts "auto matic groceries" in multiple dwellings, which will sell all kinds of fresh and frozen foods right at the housewife's door. Canadians Solve Flower Problem Detroit (UPD Queen Eliza beth's visit to Canada posted a floral problem for Canadi ans that had to be solved by American experts. The Canadians wanted to know what kind of bouquet to present to the Queen. A Vic torian nosegay of pink and red sweetheart roses, lilies of the valley, white carnations, narcissus, forget-me-nots and yellow daisies, replied the Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association. However, a Canadian flor its had to make up the bou quet and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had to inspect it well in advance for any sharp wires or pointed mate rials that might scratch the Queen's fingers. ministration's opposition t o "sound proposals" for plug eine tax loopholes which would have enabled the gov ernment "to reduce, taxes in other directions, to make needed welfare and defense expenditures and to reduce the public debt." Independence Independent! AGENT itr DON STATHOS, INSUROR Professional Insurance Protection 220 South Central Medford PHONE SP 2-2677 Clackamas River Dam Estacada (UPD The $25 million Northfork dam the Clackamas river three miles from here was formally dedi cated Sunday with about 8,000 persons gathering for the offficial ceremonies and an aquatic show on the reser voir afterward. . The Portland General Elec tric Company project adds 54,000 kilowatts to the North west powe pool. ' Thomas W: Delzell, PGE chairman of the board, told the crowd the variable radius arch dam was. "a monument to the multiple use of our na tural resources." The dam. Quick-frozen chicken, turkey, beef, or tuna Manor House Pies 4 ' '1.60 Boneless "USDA CHOICE" Top Sirloin Steak Grade "A" Turkeys Plump, tender, mature, 14 to 16 pound hen turkeys. Here's lots of good eating at a truly economical price. Save More on Your TOTAL Food Dili at Sofaway. uUH3 Tempest Brand Grated Turn . i0j00 IPorE & Beans v. c.mp,7.lk . . I Kfipe Doves " . 3 $&9 Tomato Soup GleaiKPr White Mafic UIBdn&er household flharrnal Neet Heet UlldlCUdl lighter included Fig Bars Vanilla flavor Lfftnl A III Refreshing drink HUUI Mill Assorted flavors French Fries 'S2?.nt P0fa0 PallieSHri Rroarf Save 2c on Mrs- Wright's UlCdll white or wheat Rye Bread ETk Buttermilk . Grape Drink Gigareftes JSSSr Modess Broil Foil Sanitary Napkins Kaiser "quilted" 2 89 Jr 45 For f he FINEST Produce . . . FANCY 'PEACHES Delicious tree-ripened uicy, flavorful, lightly PLUMS Famous Santa Rosa variety; tart sweetness. Dedicated 207 feet high and only eight feet through at the crest, is reported to be the thinnest for its height in the world. Northfork is designed to "give" in the middle with the force of the river, thereby allowing firmer extension of its sides into the anchorages of the canyon wall. SOCIALIST HEAD DIES ; Brussels, Belgium - Max Buset, 63, president of the Belgian Socialist Party, died Sunday. In 1950 he headed a Socialist campaign which led to the abdication of King Leopold III. scientifically aged beef $ 1.29 lb. ib. 35 Campbell's. -A lunch time favorite! 14-oz. 25e 39e 28-oz. pkg. l ib. pkg. 20C 6 Pki. 29c 16-oz. pkg. 35c 12-oz. pkg. 350 large loaf 3lc l-lb. loaf 28C 21c 65c $1.85 ctn. teg. size California Red Havens. Yeu'll colored peaches. Take home a CUCUMBERS ,19' Crisp, smooth skinned. 4 for 19c Price in this advertiiement are effective through Tuesday, June 29 at We reserve the right te limit. No sales to dealers. mm FIM STRIKE! . Lowestoft, England - Ml -Two Dutch salvage vesttlt put out a fire in the holdg of the 628-ton British freif her Staniel on a touriat - filled Select Quality Crew, fir gift? Heaping Dowbia Ue4 - 1Vt lest Weod DwaVeM Kwl MEDFORD FUEL CO. SP 1-1111 Cea ft MeAatef c Del Monfo Tender, flavorful all at economy meal or juicj favorite, anytime! Candi Can Finest quality pur granu lated cene suger tor . ycfer table, or canning nxte Brocade Light duty mild detergent for dishwashing and fine fabrics. 32 oz. can 69c Party Pride Centennial Vanilla, Choc. Chip Almond, Choc. Marsh mallow, Neapolitan, Vanilla, Maple Nut, Banana Nut ... A variety for every taste! usf remomber Safeway! lb. enjoy these bagful todayl 5 Golden picnic each feetclfc - The Dutch tueit guyj thousands of fcnt 9 watt into the burn ing bfy the Staniel at cfttjAng tw the Channel ItftnSli EfflBLISHED 1896 ? CREEM or Safoniy frees . . "fcetdoj" yt for an . . ejlways a 03 o Detergent 22 OI. Can ' Ice Cream Vi gal. ctn. BANANAS - ripe; perfect 2 ibs. 35 Safeway in Mefe4 - 49 79:
