The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-22

New York, N. Y. April 22-"D1ag- noSis of tuberculosis before its onset becomes apparent through physical symptoms is the important first step in the alignment of health and SOC ial forces battling this disease" &C., cording to Dr. Donald B. Armstrong, third vice president of the Metro politan Life Insurance Company. Dr. Armstrong is also vice. president of the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association. His company is lending active cooperation to public health authorities and educational agencies in the early diagnosis cam paign for tuberculosis, now being conducted throughout the country.
 Lowest Rate In History
 "In 1939," continued Dr. Arm strong, "the American mortality rate from tuberculosis was the lowest ever recorded. With newer and im- proved methods of diagnosis and treatment there is increasing hope that this disease, which has declined from first to sixth or seventh place among the leading causes of death, may be reduced to a minimum. We must not, however, neglect it or let up in our efforts to wipe it out, for it is even now the leading cause of death among young Americans be- tween the ages of IS and 30 years. It still places one of the heaviest unnecessary burdens upon family life and upon industry and national productivity.
 All the agencies active in the cur rent tuberculosis drive are laying particular stress upon the early dis covery of this disease. The best method of making this discovery, according to the public authorities, is the X-ray, which reveals tubercu- losis in its very earliest stages be- fore the obvious symptoms are ap- parent. Schools and colleges are cilities for periodically examining more and more making available fa- and X-raying students in attend ance. Many progressive industries and enterprising communities are following suit. Such examinations at regular, the best medical workers agree, are most important for those individuals known to have been ex- posed to infection and, of course, for those who may have warning symp- toms of tuberculosis, the commonest of which are constant fatigue, loss of weight, frequent indigestion or loss of appetite, chronic coughs or hoarseness, and an afternoon rise in temperature.
 Reduction Possible
 "That the incidence of the disease can be appreciably lowered has been clearly demonstrated through con- certed health drives in many com rnunities during the past quarter century" said Dr. Ar1nstong. "The most notable experience was that of Birmingham, Mass. A tuberculosis control program was initiated in that, city in 1916 and, under the aus pices of the National Tuberculosis as- sociation and the Metropolitan Life Insurance company, was carried through demonstration period of seven years.
 -Four the decade prior to the demonstration, the tuberculosis death in Birmingham averaged 121 per 100000. This had dropped to 3S2 in 1923, at the end of the dem onstration period. The downward trend has continued and was only 176 in 1936-a decline of 85 per cent. This indicates the possibilities of overcoming this disease in a typical American community through early diagnosis, sanitation, and health education, combined with adequate public health facilities. Widely ap- piled, the lessons of Birmingham are reflected in the great improve ment generally in tuberculosis con- trol.
 The 1940 campaign slogan. The X-ray Reveals Tuberculosis Before