Halloween is Coming

As Halloween approaches - I'm sure you'll have children coming round to trick or treat. That's great - and its nice to see local kids having fun. Perhaps you are a Mum or Dad (or grandparent) thinking of something special to celebrate Halloween with the family?

Well - it doesn't HAVE TO involve confectionery. The local shops may be pushing sweets and chocolates - but with sugar now being linked by scientists to dental health problems; obesity; diabetes; heart disease; depression and dementia, it is time to ask - "is this what we want for our kids?"

Join a campaign that is growing. It started in the US, but is relevant to us here in the United Kingdom. Let's start to turn the tide against the companies who - for their own profit (but at the cost to individuals - and the taxpayer who picks up the tab for the consequences of the epidemics of obesity; diabetes & dementia) - seek to "push sugar".

“I'm #FedUp with sugar and I'm pledging to have a #HealthyHalloween. Join me! http://thndr.it/1E4t90Y”                            

The Men Who Made Us Fat

Last week I watched on BBC iPlayer a programme broadcast last night called "The Men Who Made Us Fat". I don't watch much TV these days (essentially 'The Big Bang Theory' and little else), but this is a programme which should be watched widely.



It's a series, which runs on BBC2 on Thursday, made by journalist Jacques Peretti, which goes out at 9pm (though is available on BBC iPlayer for a further 3 weeks). It's an interesting and disturbing story of the actions of Food companies; Lobbying Organisations; Politicians and Scientists. If you are interested in public health issues (as well as your own health and well being), you'll find the programme interesting and challenging. The whole programme is available at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01jxzv8/

My apologies if you are watching this outside the UK. BBC iPlayer can only be viewed from within the UK. I don't know if the BBC plans to air this series on BBC America or BBC World

There is an informative link at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18393391