Obesity vs. Tobacco -- The Biggest Killer Is ...

Tobacco!

However, recent research and the expert opinions of some medical practitioners suggest that this might not be the case for too much longer. It seems that obesity is set to take over as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia. In a completely anecdotal sense this is pretty easy to accept. Just take a walk around the streets of Sydney on any day of the week and, if you are so inclined, you will notice that Australia is certainly becoming a much heavier nation.

Personally, I could just look in the mirror to see the proof of an enlarged Australia in comparison to my parents generation. I am guessing this is not what Kevin Rudd had in mind when he was talking about a big Australia. I am also guessing that Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott are not referring to obesity when they state that they are not aiming for a big Australia!

This has led for calls for the government to go after obesity in the same aggressive manner it has done with tobacco. In the big scheme of things it makes sense to spend a little bit more now to avoid the big health spending costs down the track. Although, the government will probably argue that weight, and specifically weight control, is an individual matter. However, a small policy change with a little amended legislation could up the ante on rebates and the like for those who join gyms and other health-related organisations.

It is thought that spending on weight-related health care has already ballooned to in excess of AUD 60 billion a year. This figure leaves the spending on tobacco-related problems for dead (no pun intended).

Now, the really scary part in this article are the numbers. It is stated that more than 60% of the adult population is overweight or obese. Simply, when you stand around with 4 of your mates, 3 of you, at least statistically, are considered to be what is affectionately known as porkers! Or if you are with me and my mates, then just 'fat bastards'.

Ho hum...

No apologies for the lack of political correctness. If you are offended by terms like 'fat bastards' or 'porkers' then get over it. This is a serious problem and sometimes the direct and blunt approach might be more effective in the long run.

An Orgasm A Day Keeps The Doctor Away...

So much for the traditional apple doing the trick! It seems that the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, and in particular the office in Sheffield, has determined that rather than an apple a day being the key to good health that an orgasm is just as good for you (story here and here).

Now, the benefits of orgasm according to a brochure produced by the NHS include, among others, improved cardiovascular health. Generally, a healthy and frequent sex life is a key to excellent overall health.

The brochure is somewhat controversial because it is directed at school-age children, and in essence tells children that they have a right to a healthy sex life. This begs the question of whether there is a possibility that students will now think it is better not to give their teachers an apple.

The brochure is also controversial because it seems to take the focus of the developed lines of argument advocating safe sex to concentrating on the main reason people have sex anyway, enjoyment. I guess how much fun is depends on your experience and the experiences themselves. I am sure there are those that do not consider sex to be fun.

On the safe sex front, the brochure does, apparently, advocate self-gratification, or masturbation, as a means of beneficial sexual activity. This is not to say that masturbation is safe sex. If you enjoy it too much then there is always the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

The NHS document, Pleasure, includes a catchy slogan, "An Orgasm A Day Keeps The Doctor Away".

I actually think that the brochure is a good idea, and this is even when I put my father hat on and think about how I would feel if it was Will that was being given this brochure. I am a firm believer in the idea that if people, and this includes children, are to make informed decisions, then they have to be informed.

Keeping on the orgasm theme, here is a classic clip from the film "When Harry Met Sally".