Improving diet and physical activity: 12 lessons from controlling tobacco smoking

British Medical Journal ^ | 4/16/05 | Derek Yach, Martin McKee, Alan D

[qam1]

On behalf of Oxford Vision 2020, a partnership dedicated to preventing the forecast worldwide growth of chronic diseases, the authors suggest that 12 lessons learnt from attempts to control tobacco smoking could be used to tackle the chronic disease epidemics evolving from unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity

Introduction

This year three new books have been published about the progress made globally in research, policy, and actions to control tobacco smoking. In addition, Sir Richard Doll reported this year on 50 years of following British doctors to document the impact of smoking on their health.4 We have reviewed the evidence and approaches taken to control tobacco smoking, well described in these new texts, because of the rapid global increase in the risk factors of unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity. As part of the Oxford Vision 2020 process,5 we have proposed 12 lessons from tobacco control that might speed up progress in tackling these new public health threats. We also drew on other recent insights from tobacco control in addressing other chronic disease risks.

[qam1]

Excerpted because it's long & Formatting

But the 12 steps are

1. Address the issue of individual responsibility versus collective or environmental action early and often

2. Evidence of harm is necessary, but is not sufficient to motivate policy change

3. Decisions to act need not wait for evidence of the effectiveness of interventions

4. Fully implement interventions known to be effective

5. Real and perceived needs and concerns of developing countries need to be addressed even if they involve going beyond the initial scope of the risk being addressed

6. The more comprehensive the package of measures considered, the greater the impact

7. Broad based, well networked, vertical and horizontal coalitions are key

8. Change in support for tobacco control took decades of effort led by media savvy and politically astute leaders

9. Modest, well spent funds can have a massive impact, but without clear goals funding may not be sustainable

10. Complacency that past actions will serve well in future may retard future progress

11. Rules of engagement with the tobacco and food industries need to be different and continually under review

12. Risk factor envy is harmful—a joint approach is needed

[martin_fierro]

Threads like these belong in the Smoky Backroom.

< |:)~

[qam1]

But, but, but, but they were going to stop at smokers right?

PING!!

See #2 & #3 - Evidence, We don't need no stinkin' evidence

[Enterprise]

Stop childhood obesity. Give them Marlboros, not milkshakes.

[DumpsterDiver]

13. Sue as many businesses as possible.

...the authors suggest that 12 lessons learnt from attempts to control tobacco smoking could be used to tackle the chronic disease epidemics evolving from unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity.

I know what's best for you, so shut up and do what I tell you to do.

[DumpsterDiver]

13. Sue as many businesses as possible.

I almost forgot:

14. Tax the living hell out of any product you deem unhealthy.

[johnmilken]

Ha...I don't smoke and I live healthily. I love watching smokers and folk gorge on junk food, it only makes me look better and likely ensure that when I'm 70 I'll be jogging past their graves.

[kingattax]

recent studies indicate that non-smokers have 74% more flatulence than a moderate smoker.

[csmusaret]

Unless you run out in front of a car because you are so busy looking down your nose at those you feel so superior to.

[Gabz]

There is smoke coming out ofo my ears right now and I'm noto even smoking..........

[GeekDejure]

12. Risk factor envy is harmful—a joint approach is needed

Yes -- that's it -- a joint approach is needed !!! ;-))

[Gabz]

You've got those right.............and they have already started the lawsuits on "Big Food" using the skills and tactics they honed on "Big Tobacco."

[johnmilken]

It's not hard to feel superior re. health issues when comparing oneself with those who smoke and eat junk. Nobody forces you to light up and nobody forces you to clog your arteries and get obese. I have much sympathy for the 'victims' of these conditions as I do for a junkies and alcoholics. Weak folk who do not value the life they have been given.

[Gabz]

Being prideful is a sin................

[Enterprise]

"Yes -- that's it -- a joint approach is needed !!! ;-)) "

[johnmilken]

What, like being proud of your son or proud of a barbecue sauce?

I am happy that I value the life I've been given and look on in amazement and amusement at those who think it's 'cool' to squander their health. I don't seek to force my views upon them - let them smoke and eat what they want and face late middle age with creeping disabilities.

[MudSlide]

One thing you forgot to mention is that the woman in the picture is 14

[Enterprise]

LOL! You're right. She's also the poster girl for Water Buffalo Quarterly. I sincerely regret that omission.

[Gabz]

I smoke, eat what I want, have no blood pressure or cholesterol problems, am in my mid 40s, keep up with an active 6 year old, do my own home improvements including hauling lumber and supplies up ladders and stairs without being winded.........and will probably outlive and with less health problems most of the tofu eating joggers I know.

A "healthy life" means different things to different people depending upon many factors..........not just diet or smoking.

And my term "prideful" was more in regard to your sanctimonious comments regarding others you look at with "amazement and amusement" not about your son or barbecue sauce.

[GeekDejure]

LOL! You're right. She's also the poster girl for Water Buffalo Quarterly. I sincerely regret that omission.

=======

Proving once again that "Liberalism is a mental disorder" -- Michael Savage

!!! ;-))