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Looking at the user-comments section to the BBC story about the study which suggests we're drinking way too much...
[url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21586566 ]Brits drinking way too much...[/url]
And the comments seem to be dominated by the 'I'll do what I like to myself, keep your nose out' brigade. It's usually the same with obesity stories as well.
Is this just a self-selecting audience? ie: the people who value their health don't bother posting, or is this country hell-bent on self-destruction for some reason? The results of this study and the figures on obesity certainly seem to suggest so...
At 40 I'm about the only one of my friends and family who does any significant amount of exercise and watches my diet properly and also about the only one who's not bulging in the wrong places...
It's going to wreck our wealth if we carry on like this - massive impact on productivity (therefore GPD growth) and NHS costs...
A French guy in my road club put it quite directly 'the British are just complete idiots about their health'...
Hmm....strokes chin and wonders how to word this politely..... 😉
DrP
A French guy in my road club put it quite directly 'the British are just complete idiots about their health'...
That's all the evidence I need.
It is self culling of a sub-species ...
Which means there will be good future prospect for those who want to have a career in medical or health sector. Your career is secured!! Even a Russian doctor I know have to come to the North East to research liver disease due to high alcohol related problem here ...
I know have to come to the North East to research liver problems due to high alcohol related problem ...
Not because it's one of the largest liver transplant units then?
It is quite scary. Admittedly I am no athlete, but I am bothered by it and am attempting to do something about it...I've pretty much given up drinking (I only have the odd pint now and don't miss it at all) and exercise a reasonable amonut and will be running my first half marathon on Sunday.
People in this country just don't seem fussed but at school PE and games seem to be getting squeezed out, outside of sschool kids would rather play Xbox or whatever but if their parents are inactive it's a viscous circle. Factor in binge drinking and a poor diet and the country is ****ed.
I live in Tamworth which is supposed to be the fattest town in the country now, which doesn't surprise me given some of the sights you see!
[i]A French guy in my road club put it quite directly 'the British are just complete idiots about their health'... [/i]
The French are going the same way...
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs... i have an xbox crazy son, i do all i can to get him away, swimming is one of the main things but at 6quid a time for both of us i have it restrict it to once a week. that really frustrates me.
It is all about the type of lifestyles and the way that people socialize theses days.
If I had had the option of 24hr TV ,DVDs,Xbox,Playstation,fast food and the interweb,I don't know if I would have left the house much as a kid.
I would like to think that I would have,but there is no doubt that the available distractions must be horrible for the weak willed.
Another bit of black propaganda from those who have a neo-maoist obsession with controlling the lives of others, and don't forget that if they had their way there would be further punitive alcohol taxes to enforce sullen compliance with what they see is the 'right' way to live. Last week it was a call to tax fizzy drinks, next week no doubt it will be a revival of the Fat Tax. Hmmm... rationing by price, which is what these proposals are in effect, would bear down most on those on lower incomes... so that's the rationale! The professional, judgemental, middle classes in concert with a an increasing dirrigiste govenment out to to kick the poor again!
The commenters have it right. It is way past time that these interfering busybodies were told to butt out and b****r off!
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs... i have an xbox crazy son,
Sell his X-box... Two birds with one stone. 😀
Isn't the easy solution, dr says lose weight/stop smoking/drink less or whatever that can be done reasonably by the client - client does not heed dr's advice, client pays for treatment directly related to the non heeded advice?
I’m going to have a glass of wine and think about it.
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs
The last time I checked it cost virtually nothing to walk, run, do some press ups, kick a ball around in the park etc
Isn't the easy solution, dr says lose weight/stop smoking/drink less or whatever that can be done reasonably by the client - client does not heed dr's advice, client pays for treatment directly related to the non heeded advice?
No....
Don't ride bicycles or walk up mountains or anything that could potentially damage you...
Very difficult to draw lines.
If you go through classical greek texts plenty of references to life only being tolerable with the aid of alcohol.
Nothing really changes does it.
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs... i have an xbox crazy son
hmm xbox360 + say 4 games = what? £300'ish. That's a reasonable amount to spend on a bike
nah, blame the xbox, it's easier.
i work odd shifts, rarely do the same thing 2 days running, and always come home from work totally exhausted mentally.
its not easy to exercise after that.
obv, im not the only person in this type of situation, hence the 'epidemic' of fatties.
its shit like.
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs... i have an xbox crazy son, i do all i can to get him away, swimming is one of the main things but at 6quid a time for both of us i have it restrict it to once a week. that really frustrates me.
How much did the X-box+games cost?
How much does walking cost?
If we were all a bit poorer it wouldnt be a problem.
the British are just complete idiots about their health'.
That's rich coming from someone whose major national problem is over-prescribing!
Drac - Moderator
Not because it's one of the largest liver transplant units then?
Yes, but you still need the sample population to probe ...
Long ago and far away,I was rescued from more and more visits to the pub,by a mate who got me in to doing martial arts twice a week.
We would still meet the rest of our mates in the pub later for a couple of beers,but they had been there all night.
Then one of the guys at the karate mentioned cycling to work (I had only just started working ) as a way of getting fit and saving a few quid. That was what started me on the the way to having some sort of regular fitness plan.
Fast forward to now,and the best thing about having had a decent basic level of fitness through my years,is the choice that it has given me.
I have never had to worry if I suddenly felt like doing some new sport or activity ,and it certainly helped when kids came along 🙂
From what I witnessed from my time in Germany, the German's drink just as much as us, it was normal to see them having their cold-meat brekkies with a bier or wein. Same with the suits in Frankfurt, not unusual to see them waiting for the train/bus/tram with a cold tinny in-hand.
Which leads me to....Is it because of the binge-drinking divs that go out on a weekend and end up trying to boot the door of the meat-wagon in when they end up arrested?
If you go through classical greek texts plenty of references to life only being tolerable with the aid of alcohol.Nothing really changes does it.
This.
Yes, it takes the pain of existence away for a while!
Love it when people generalise about such stuff they seem to skip over the point about individual freedom and line themselves up with the nanny state and righteous. Then extrapolate to ruin of country. How much fitness is enough? One persons exercise regime is anothers warm down.
The commenters have it right. It is way past time that these interfering busybodies were told to butt out and b****r off!
+1
How much does walking cost?
Good boots £100, pole, £20, gaiters £20, rucksac £60, waterproofs £150, Maps and map holder £40....
How much did the X-box+games cost?How much does walking cos
These comments are well and good but what if the kid just isn't into outdoors activities?
Missus was recently diagnosed as diabetic so started a food diary to show the nutritionist/dietician.
Either she lied through her teath in the diary or I didn't get the whole story (apparently everything's fine) as she's come back from Costco on Monday with a tray of iced dainish pastries for breakfast! I'm not the diabetic one and even I feel light headed eating one of those on an empty stomach!
These comments are well and good but what if the kid just isn't into outdoors activities?
then buy it an xbox, a couple of pies and some massive value bags of crisps and moan about what a pia it is when your 15 year old is obese and needs regular treatment for type 2 diabetes.
When I was a kid I was dragged out for family days out/walks/park etc whether I wanted to or not. It frequently pissed me off at the time, although now I can see that obviously it was for the best! I guess you would call it "parenting".These comments are well and good but what if the kid just isn't into outdoors activities?
How much does walking cost?Good boots £100, pole, £20, gaiters £20, rucksac £60, waterproofs £150, Maps and map holder £40....
Existing pair of trainers is all you need to get up and down Snowdon safely. Unless you're going on an expedition all that's a bit OTT. You could do 5 miles in the average city park without any of that, and that's all most people need.
I'm an outdoorsy type and I've not got half the stuff you've listed!
Boots - £40
Pole - no ta, got legs that work
Gaiters - nope (do have waterproof overtrousers though)
Rucksac - £20 for a 20ltr berghaus in the blacks sale
Waterproofs - £50 RF Atlas jacket, and a hat
Maps - £7 for an OS map
Good boots £100, pole, £20, gaiters £20, rucksac £60, waterproofs £150, Maps and map holder £40....
Really?
Not sure how we coped but took my Daughter with me on Sunday for a walk, she had her wellies on and a light winter coat. It was touch and go for awhile and we contemplated turning back as it got rough, would have been easier with all that gear but after 2 hours we got back safely from our walk through the local fields.
Oh no wait sorry it was a nice easy walk which she loved and I did too as got me some time with her.
How much does walking cost?Good boots £100, pole, £20, gaiters £20, rucksac £60, waterproofs £150, Maps and map holder £40....
I was going to post why that is total guff, but it looks to me like you just want an excuse not a reason, so there really isn't any point
These comments are well and good but what if the kid just isn't into outdoors activities?
So it's better to encourage a lazy, sedentary lifestyle instead?
One of the big problems with exercise in this country is that people associate anything active with needing to buy specific equipment, join up to a gym, etc. Shows just how successful the 'leisure industry' is at marketing the idea. What we used to 'just do', people now think has to be part of a 'lifestyle', which comes with the associated image and culture. Which puts many people off.
Good boots £100, pole, £20, gaiters £20, rucksac £60, waterproofs £150, Maps and map holder £40....
My point exactly. What happened to 'just going for a walk'? Which is free, in comparison to the hundreds spent on an X-box etc.
Plus we live in an affluent society with loads of labour saving devices and modes of motorised transport, so we seldom really 'need' to make much effort. If you have to walk/cycle several miles to work/school etc, then you'll do it. If there's an easy option, most people will take that. And it's all about instant gratification; you can get that with a computer game or a Danish pastry; you can't see such immediate benefits with regular exercise.
is this country utterly going/gone to the dogs?
Based on some of the responses on this forum from 'active' people; in particular this on
problem is though if you do want to get off your ass it costs.
I would say yes
this country utterly gone to the dogs health-wise
One of the big problems with exercise in this country is that people associate anything active with needing to buy specific equipment, join up to a gym
A few not everyone at all and not really one of the biggest problems.
I was going to post why that is total guff, but it looks to me like you just want an excuse not a reason, so there really isn't any point
The point being is that an XBox + 4 games doesn't have to cost £300+ either. Just saw one sell on Ebay for £84.
These comments are well and good but what if the kid just isn't into outdoors activities?
The wife of my best mate hated exercise of any kind. Refused to do it at all. However, a month or so ago she started to diet, and then did a little bit of exercise, bought a cheapo exercise bike, and now she's doing that for an hour a day, going to zumba classes, etc etc and she can't get enough of exercise.
Perhaps they just need to try it and see how it makes them feel.
A few not everyone at all and not really one of the biggest problems.
It is. Ask people what they think constitutes 'exercise', and most will respond with activities that cost money, like joining a gym, or buying a bike, or signing up for some sport or other. Which puts a lot of people off. Many don't associate walking with 'exercise', it's just something they do to get from A to B. And most people these days seem loathe to walk anywhere if they don't have to.
Don't forget the costs involved in getting to and staying at an outdoorsy location. True you don't need the latest or more expensive gear (embroidered with an aspirational name) to get outside, but how many of us ride £99 supermarket specials?
It is. Ask people what they think constitutes 'exercise', and most will respond with activities that cost money, like joining a gym, or buying a bike, or signing up for some sport or other.
I ask it reasonably regular at work and varies from "Yes but not as much as I should I go for a few walks now and then" or "A play football most weekends, swim during the week" or "No nothing much I no I should maybe swim or go for a walk but I just don't have the time".
Certainly not most claiming they need to join a gym or buying a bike.
Certainly not most claiming they need to join a gym or buying a bike.
swim during the week
So where do they swim? And what does that cost? And with the amount of 'free' space for playing sports such as football on the decline, as local authorities designate specific areas for organised sports (which they then charge for), it's not as 'free' as it once was.
Simple fact is that most people equate 'exercise' with something costing money. Even walking.
how many of us ride £99 supermarket specials?
I don't. 😉
They should bring this back to schools
Simple fact is that most people equate 'exercise' with something costing money. Even walking.
You certainly do.
Many don't.
The point being is that an XBox + 4 games doesn't have to cost £300+ either. Just saw one sell on Ebay for £84.
£300 for new xbox, used as a an example to compare with cost of new bike.
You do know you can buy bikes second hand as well?
Sorry, you must be really small if that managed to go over your head.
Many don't.
Are you in panto? Because if not, yo've clearly missed your true vocation. 😉
Are you in panto? Because if not, yo've clearly missed your true vocation.
Oh no I haven't.
😆Oh no I haven't.
😆
Simple fact is that most people equate 'exercise' with something costing money.
The simple fact is that a lot of people are bone idle 😀
I can understand people who just don't like exercise, don't get any pleasure from it etc.
What I don't understand are the people who's health is at risk or deteriorating but still won't do anything to help themselves lose weight or get fitter.
Nobody's expecting you to become an athlete, just look after yourself a bit.
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its easier to let yourself get fat when everyone around you is too.
i do all i can to get him away, swimming is one of the main things but at 6quid a time for both of us
isn't there some kind of poor person's discount for people who can't find £3 each to go swimming?
One of the big problems with exercise in this country is that people associate anything active with needing to buy specific equipment, join up to a gym
Just from conversations I've had with people. Embarrassment was a bigger factor, spending £100 on some running kit is small fry in comparison. And in general the embarrassment element was the stopping factor. More often than not they would try exercises that can be done in private, exercise bikes, cross trainers etc. Which predictably kill off most of the enthusiasm before they gain confidence.
No idea how that psychology pans out through the wider population
Double post
its easier to let yourself get fat when everyone around you is too.
Quite a lot in this I would wager
its easier to let yourself get fat when everyone around you is too.Quite a lot in this I would wager
I can't remember where I read this but this is crucial to the current problem. People make relative judgements about themselves, rather than absolute.
Dr: you're overweight and need to do something about it
Patient: but he's way bigger than me so I must be ok
Dr: you're still in poor health
Patient: but not as much as him, so what's the problem...
With people at healthy weight now in a minority, I think this psychological/social relativism aspect is probably a massive ('scuse the pun) barrier to resolving the problem...
This resistance to being healthy astounds me. Who wants to be ill?
Imo television, adverts and "the cool" play a huge part in this. Oh and mis education.
Its funny how people think drinking/eating the "low calorie" "no salt" "half fat" soft drinks, crisps, chocolate, pizzas etc etc are now a healthy diet...shocking. The worst thing is it isn't just the kids who believe that sh1te...
adverts on tv etc play a big part in it imo.
Arse-biscuits!! Well... everythings suddenly become a lot clearer now. Have you seen my usual riding partner?
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Curse you!!! Relative rather than absolute judgement!!!!!
Arse-biscuits!! Well... everythings suddenly become a lot clearer now. Have you seen my usual riding partner?[img]
Curse you!!! Relative rather than absolute judgement!!!!!
Though also when people are so judgmental it may be difficult to find the motivation to do what the guy in the picture above is doing. He could be a racing snake by now. Fair play I say; in pink as well.
Isn't binge drinking defined as consuming (for a bloke) more than 4 units of alcohol in an evening...? So, of a Friday night if I drink 2 bottles of my favourite ale that is binge drinking...? Eh?
God, what a drain on the health service I am.
I recently joined a gym as the crap weather, dark nights etc. meant I wasn't getting out on the bike as much ask I'd like.
I get access to pools, gyms & classes around Peterborough. They are always busy. A lot of people I work with do regular activity; football, cycling, gym, squash, surfing...often mentioned in my office.
We went to release bruder's balloon a week or so ago and there were literally hundreds of people out walking with their children, kids riding bikes, roller skating, playing football.
Similarly, the day before I did a lap of Rutland Water & there were cyclists galore, walkers, horse riders...
While I think it is fair to say that more people should be exercising, I think there are an awful lot of people doing just that.
OP, yes.
Cough.
I’m going to have a glass of wine and think about it.
It's too serious for just one glass, let's discuss it over a couple of bottles and a five course dinner....
Isn't binge drinking defined as consuming (for a bloke) more than 4 units of alcohol in an evening...? So, of a Friday night if I drink 2 bottles of my favourite ale that is binge drinking...? Eh?
Indeed. I don't know how on earth they expect anyone to take their 'advice' (read: lecturing) seriously when they continuously spout guff like that
Isn't binge drinking defined as consuming (for a bloke) more than 4 units of alcohol in an evening...? So, of a Friday night if I drink 2 bottles of my favourite ale that is binge drinking...? Eh?
No binge drinking is a media term, it really refers to someone going out one or twice week and drinking a hugely excessive amount in those sessions.
The health guides is a guide for the recommended weekly consumption, anything over that is seen as drinking more than the recommended amount.
I have a couple of glasses of wine, most evenings and a few bottles at the weekend. Mind you, lost a lot of weight riding with binners 😉
Don't forget the costs involved in getting to and staying at an outdoorsy location
Yup ,cos just getting out your door isn't outdoorsy enough 🙄
Can't beat a bit of fresh air
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I’m going to have a glass of wine and think about it.
me too
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Everyone blames the government ...
[x] Rant on[x]
But more sendentary jobs are at the nub of this - and a general lazy attitude to life. TBH , parenting skills in Britian are awful , and getting worse. It has produced lazy idle kids who want for nothing, help with nothing, and then in later life expect to do nothing, and someone else to sort out their problems for them. as in, it was my chances in life, I'm an addict, I can't help myself, it's unfair, everyone else gets better x, y and z
There is little self control/self responsibility/self pride. Hard working role models have all but gone, Katie Price and TOWIE are worshipped ....
It has next to nothing to do with the cost of food, as food in the UK is much cheaper than else where else in Europe ( at the moment). But how many parents know how to cook - or can be bothered?. It is that a huge slug of parenst have abticated their responsibility for their kids morals, education, standard, discipline and ethics to schools. Just because they don't no say no to little Emma and Tommy.
The French do have an issue , no doubt, but they do take parenting a little more to heart than in Britian
Fat , lazy, ill disciplined kids are the result of fat, lazy , ill disciplined parents ....
[x} rant off[x}
.... but other than that, you'd give a thumbs up to the great British lifestyle generally?
TOWIE..... What/who is that/they?
TOWIE...
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Watch about 30 seconds of it and fear for the future of humanity.
I'm not suggesting that humanity had a great future in Essex anyway. But, somewhat inexplicably, it seems to be infecting the rest of the country
Careful there binner ... we may well be orange... but we've got wash board stomachs here in sunny brentwood 🙂
MrMoofo you dropped this.
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I've never watched TOWIE so it my just be my middle-class prejudice coming through 😉 but I gather it's one of those programmes about self-obsessed narcissists who want to be famous rather than earn a living doing something which adds any economic value...
<Dad mode on>
Now the main problem with this as a model for people to aspire to is IT'S JUST A TV PROGRAMME. For watching/for the production company to make money...
Not an aspiration for the rest of us.
Unfortunately I'm not sure many people understand this.
<Dad mode off>
we are firmly in the age of narcissism where children don't want to be firemen, nurses or train drivers any more they just want to be famous.
hard work and delayed gratification are an anathema to the fatuous, ****less, ignorant and idle members of society who full of their own self importance give nothing and take everything they can from society.
so yes, we are doomed.
Erm... my daughter wants to be a vet. Does this make her a freak? Will she be bullied? I'm really quite concerned now