In the Telegraph there is a story about Andy Burnham’s spiffing new idea. Fitness prescriptions, because we are all going to burst out over our waistlines, apparently.
As part of the Government’s Let’s Get Moving campaign, GPs are being encouraged to write out detailed programmes, with a weekly plan of activities such as gym sessions, evening sports classes and weekend team events.
Elderly and less active patients will be steered towards walking groups, yoga sessions in community centres or even ballroom dancing lessons.
Why am I reminded of those old black and white propaganda films of nubile young Aryans all doing their stretches and push-ups?
And, I’m sorry, but “weekend team events”… Jesus, pass me the sick bag.
Now, I’ve no problem in principle with GPs offering advice. Indeed, if someone is experiencing health problems caused by their excess weight, I’d expect them to do so. But a regime that will be followed up?
Follow-up appointments will be made with doctors or nurses based in GP practices to ensure that patients are sticking to their prescriptions.
That is seriously creepy. And how will this be paid for, I wonder? Well, I don’t wonder, I know.
To ensure that patients of all incomes are able to access sporting facilities, extra funds will be given to local authorities.
Mr Burnham is set to announce a cash boost for local councils to roll out the programme of free swimming sessions, which are currently available to pensioners and the under-18s.
Yup, the good old taxpayer riding to the rescue once more…
And what is driving all this desire to get us into the gym (wild horses wouldn’t but that’s another matter)?
The move is part of the government’s drive against obesity, which has been described as a health “time bomb”.
Oh, really?
More than two-thirds of men and six out of every 10 women are thought to be putting their health at risk as a result of overeating, and it is estimated that obesity will cost Britain £50 billion by 2050.
I see… More than two thirds of men and sixty percent of women are thought to be overeating. Nothing like a little factual evidence to back up a policy campaign, eh?
Schoolchildren will have a set minimum number of hours to devote to sport each week.
Oh, god! I used to endure two double games sessions every week. They were a misery. I hated ball games and detested athletics. So forcing me out on a games field on a wet winter afternoon dressed in skimpy shirt and shorts did not make me fit – if the ball came my way I stepped aside and let it pass. If I could, I’d go on a cross country run amble. What did make me far fitter than my peers was cycling to school and long cycle rides at the weekends and holidays. That and judo and archery, neither of which I practised in school dictated PE lessons. Enforced sport is a really, really bad idea. It can put people off for life.
“Let’s Get Moving” eh? Well, I’d like to see Andy Burnham and his disgusting little cohorts get moving pretty pronto…
Isn’t shooting a sport? Can I sit on top of St Stephen’s Tower and have moving targets please?
.-= ´s last blog ..Emily’s Wedding Rehearsal =-.
Reading this has got something moving, all right…
I can’t wait to see what ‘NHS Blog Doctor’ has to say about this nasty little gimmick.
.-= ´s last blog .."…difficult and troubling…" =-.
I do believe that it is…
Indeed.
Yet we have a ‘demographic time-bomb’ as we are expected to struggle to fund people living longer into old age…
And the idea that being overweight is a health risk is any any case an unsupported assertion driven by aesthetic, rather than scientific, considerations. One of those things that everyone knows, that isn’t actually true.
I suspect doctors are going to have to get used to being told to fuck right off.
I was absolutely flat-out no effing good at games, on account of an encephalitis at seven that left me a bit behind The Other Little Shits as to co-ordination. Probably some reading this at least will be able to imagine the ensuing tyranny on the playing field. But, you are spot on about toxophilia (I’ve a couple of nice custom recurve & longbows) and, too right, the /only/ reason to exercise is because you, personally, want to.
As my old mate here in southern MN, Lenny, would say:
“F-CK the gover’ment!”
What did make me far fitter than my peers was cycling to school and long cycle rides at the weekends and holidays.
Yes it does. I cycle now. An enlightened games policy would take your preferences into account and many independent schools offer choices.
.-= ´s last blog ..[our nhs] what to think in the light of american comments =-.
Excellent news. I can now get someone else to pay for my gym and golf club membership. Do you think they’ll cough up for a new bike as well, bearing in mind I got my current one effectively half price under the cycle scheme?
Seriously, though, these people, and I include quangocrats, have too much time and our money than is good for us and target parctice is the best proposal so far.
.-= My last blog ..Gratifying things to do when losing your job =-.
£50bn by 2050? By 2050 £50bn will be small change. Those people dying of obesity related illnesses will save the money which would have to be spent treating them for other fatal illnesses which they didn’t get around to dying from.