Tuesday, February 23, 2010

SNP MSP Shona Robison look closely at this picture, it is the solution to the obesity crisis, exercise, coupled with tuition and education















Dear All

The Obesity timebomb is ticking under the skin of the Scottish people.

The Scottish government has announced a plan to work with the food industry, business and schools to try to tackle Scotland's obesity problem.

The strategy sets out plans to control exposure to high calorie drinks and foods.

That will not work; leaflets didn’t work in the past and will not work in the future.

SNP MSP Shona Robison said;

"We cannot expect people to be able to change their behaviour alone as the environment we live in today means that for most people weight gain becomes almost inevitable."

The solution is to create a new type of culture of ‘Active Scotland’.

The ‘let’s hide the grub’ policy is pretty naïve.Part of the strategy is removing sweets from the till point in shops and increasing the range of healthier choices in convenience stores.

Is that a serious strategy, hiding the sweeties?

The way to tackle the obesity crisis is to increase the uptake of sport and exercise participation in conjunction with counselling sessions with face to face qualified professionals.

Give people opportunities to enjoy sport and exercise, provide proper facilities and get away that watching football is a viable option.With attendance comes knowledge and goal setting.

That leads to enjoyment and sense of achievement.

So a new strategy is needed that delivers on the ground.

There needs to be a massive increase in qualified fitness instructors and sports instructors to get people active and out.

Sportscotland should be revamped for a starter for ten.

It really is time that the SNP turned health and fitness into a flagship as has been achieved in the Health Service.

If we keep people fit, we reduce the burden of the Health Service, promote healthy living, build stronger communities and help individuals achieve their potential.

That cannot be accomplished without a serious strategy in place.

The Tories are throwing ideas into the ring such as Standard Universal Health Visiting Service for all families and children up to the age of 7, Labour and the Lib Dems advocate promoting increasing physical activity.

The Scottish Government strategy is ‘hide the mars bars’.

SNP MSP Shona Robison said;

"Obesity currently costs Scotland over £457m a year. If we do not address this epidemic now it is estimated that this figure could reach over £3bn a year.

So, how far back is the Scottish Government on this issue?

Labour MSP and pie eater Frank McAveety understands it and he isn’t the smartest tack in the box by any means.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University

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