The leader of British Conservative Party has enlisted the services of an Icelandic superhero in order to tackle obesity in youngsters, according to a report in the UK newspaper The Telegraph. David Cameron is hoping that the vegetable-eating superhero known as Sportacus will reach out to an audience of television watching toddlers. Magnus Scheving plays the role of Sportacus, a high energy superhero who comes from Lazy Town. The hero’s somersaulting antics are broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide including the UK. Every hero has a nemesis and Sportacus has Robbie Rotten, a villain who desires all the inhabitants of Lazy Town to lead a slothful existence as junk-eating slobs.The Conservative leader is hoping to use Sportacus as an icon for his party’s fight against flab. “He has done a lot of good reducing obesity in Iceland,” said one party member. “Although it may sound funny, the message is a serious one.” The television programme is designed … [Read more...] about Icelandic kids’ hero combats British obesity
Obesity
‘Megamover sheets’ used to free obese patient from Linslade home
An obese patient from Linslade was freed from their home using rope rescue equipment, a titan stretcher, an aerial platform and megamover sheets, according to Beds Fire and Rescue Service. Crews from three stations – Leighton Buzzard, Luton and a specialist technical rescue team from Dunstable – were called earlier this month to assist East of England Ambulance Service removing the patient from their home.In order to free the patient, crews used rope rescue equipment, a titan stretcher and megamover sheets.A Beds Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Crews from Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Luton assisted the ambulance service with a patient who could not be removed via the stairs from the first floor of their property for medical reasons.“Firefighters used an aerial platform as a ‘high deviation point’ allowing rope rescue experts from Dunstable Fire Station to construct a system of ropes and pullies to facilitate the rescue. “Once the patient … [Read more...] about ‘Megamover sheets’ used to free obese patient from Linslade home
Ipswich Hospital spends more than £200,000 in three years on equipment for obese patients
PUBLISHED: 07:00 23 April 2018 Gemma Mitchell Ipswich Hospital has spent more than £200,000 on specialist bariatric equipment in the last three years. Picture: PHIL MORLEY Archant Spending on specialist kit for obese patients increased almost six-fold at Ipswich Hospital over two years, new figures reveal. Andy Crump, Inspire Suffolk's chief operating officer. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN The trust’s bill for bariatric equipment jumped from £18,700 in 2015 to £109,300 in 2016, according to data released under Freedom of Information laws. Jan Ingle, head of communications at Ipswich Hospital, said the rise was down to more overweight people attending for treatment. Last year the hospital spent £80,800 on gear for patients who weigh more than 160kg, or 25 stone. “We are caring for an increasing number of larger people and this reflects what is happening nationally,” Mrs Ingle said. Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for … [Read more...] about Ipswich Hospital spends more than £200,000 in three years on equipment for obese patients
€30m sugar tax won’t be ring-fenced to fight obesity ‘time bomb’
The funding will go into the general Exchequer - unlike the UK where the proceeds of the tax will be directly targeted at improving sport in schools. The Department of Finance said reserving a tax for a particular purpose is "not a feature of the Irish tax system in general". A spokesperson said it reduces the flexibility of the Government to prioritise and allocate funds as necessary at a particular time. Asked to explain then how the proceeds of the plastic bag charge go to waste management, she said "it is a levy and not a tax". It is operated by the Department of the Environment and collected by Revenue on its behalf. One in four Irish children who are the main target of the tax is overweight or obese. Irish consumers will notice the difference in higher prices when high-sugar drinks become more expensive. The tax, which was due to begin on April 6, is to be implemented from May 1 instead to allow for full approval from the EU. The tax will see a levy of 16c per litre for … [Read more...] about €30m sugar tax won’t be ring-fenced to fight obesity ‘time bomb’
Fast food outlets should be banned from opening near schools to tackle obesity epidemic, say doctors
Fast food outlets should be banned from opening within 400 metres of every school in the country to tackle the obesity epidemic, child doctors say. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is calling for the measure to be part of an updated childhood obesity strategy which the Government is due to publish this summer. Paediatricians urged ministers to introduce a national programme to weigh and measure children from birth right through adolescence, arguing that “snapshot” weigh-ins taken at the start and end of primary school meant weight problems were spotted too late. Prof Russell Viner, president of the college, urged ministers to “take a leap of faith” and introduce sweeping powers... To continue reading this article Start your free trial of Premium Access all Premium articles Subscriber-only events Cancel any time Free for 30 days then only £2 per week Try Premium Access one Premium … [Read more...] about Fast food outlets should be banned from opening near schools to tackle obesity epidemic, say doctors