report noted: Kava, a drink which produces languor and sleepiness, is prepared from juices of certain roots and used extensively throughout the islands, On at ieast one island a native distillery is in operation preparing fermented coconut juice. Imbibing of the beverage did not appear to be universal throughout the island. Sour toddy wine, although illegal, is also probably consumed. This drink, which is made from flowers of wine palms, is highly intoxicating and is said to have deleterious effects upon the urinary and nervous systems.” Betel nut chewing was a definite health hazard on Yap, Lamotrek and Woleai. Addicts were undernourished andfrequently physically below par because the narcotizing effect of the nut suppressed hunger and stupefied the individual. On Yap, where the chewing of betel nut was practically universal, the pathways and gathering places were spattered with betel nut spittle, and it was believed that the habit of careless spitting had much to do with the spread of pulmonary tuberculosis."” The health conditions as thus presented by the WHIDBEYreports, together with the previous and continuing experiences of the civil administration medical personnel, served as the basis for expansion of the public health program during the period of naval administration of the trusteeship. Reevaluation and restatement of policy, systematic administration of the program, improved facilities for the care of the ill and the practice of preventive medicine, increased training of indigenous assistants, reemphasis on sanitation, and continuing education of the people to seek and accept the care offered them constituted the public health program for the islands. @ WHIDBEY Report. p. 14. *® CinCPacFlt Med Off memo dtd 30 Jun 50. 854 90094994 Foes ms The nutrition of the Micronesians was satisfactory in most instances. Their basic diet continuedto be high in starch and deficientin proteins and fats, but they hadexisted on it for centuries and survived. Supplementary foods were provided by the Island Trading Company and onlylack of transportation limited this source of supply. Foodshortages occurred occasionally on a fewislands where the breadfruit and coconuttrees had been destroyed during the war. Native intoxicants were a problem in some areas. The WHIDBEY