Milton view Let’s move to tackle obesity
Dear Editor The news that only two out of 53 European countries are more overweight than Britain is a wake up call screaming at us to find more achievable ways to move more.
It can be difficult to keep active, especially for those with office jobs, but inactivity is making people unhealthy and unhappy.
Even a short, brisk walk can have fantastic mental and physical health benefits, helping to prevent longterm chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Direct NHS savings from an increase in urban walking and cycling have been estimated at £17bn over 20 years.
What’s more, it is incredibly easy to fit into a day – on the commute, the school run, or a trip to the shops.
This isn’t just about improving our current situation; it’s about safeguarding the future of our children.
One in five boys and one in six girls of primary school-age are classed as physically inactive, and one in three children leaves primary school either overweight or obese.
Swapping the school run for a school walk helps build more exercise into a child’s day and ensures they develop healthy habits for life.
Earlier this year, Public Health England had to add a ‘severely obese’ category to its measurements of children aged four and five, and children aged 10 and 11.
This should be enough to tell us that inaction can’t continue.
Tanya Braun Head of policy, Living Streets Many of our readers had their say on our story about the Hamilton Water Palace being shut once again due to an ‘accidental faecal release’.
Bosses had no choice but to shut the pool for 48 hours because of a ‘floater’ in the water.
This is not the first time that Hamilton Water Palace has had to close due to an ‘accidental faecal release’.
And it is something that has affected a number of pools across Lanarkshire over the years. Our readers commented on our Facebook page about the matter. Again? Happens too often!
Deb Doc
I’d rather swim in the county buildings fountains.
It would be cleaner!
Mena Dempsey
I swear that this happens once a month!
Steven Mclaughlin
It’s happened again!
Laura Scott
I think everyone who swims here should be given a nappy to wear!
Fiona Macfarlane
This seems to be a regular occurrence.
Vicki Cunningham
Disgusting yet again.
Sandra Tait
Won’t be using this pool.
Sara Kelly
Again? It’s always happening.
Elaine Mclachlan Brown
This happens far too often in the Water Palace.
Wouldn’t take my kids there.
Steven Penman
AGAIN? Disgusting, it’s happening too often in The Water Palace. WHY?
Ann Millar
People are always doing that in there. It’s pretty much a public toilet. I’d never ever go in there. Disgusting.
Vinnie Goldie
Can hardly say that it’s the Water Palace’s fault that kids are pooing in the pools.
That’s up to parent/guardians to take a child to bathroom before entering the pool and, of course, if they haven’t been feeling great don’t take them swimming.
Karen Mcgowan