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Health

The health police

...
The health police: enough already!
Ever felt as if you were under citizen's arrest when a well-meaning friend or stranger asked if you really needed that slice of cake? Or whether your kids should be outside on such a hot day? We've got the comebacks that'll put the health police behind bars

By Bonny Reichert
First published in Chatelaine's July 2003 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.


 

There's no denying it: exercise is good for you and a shot can help you dodge the flu; trans fats are bad for your heart and smoking hurts your lungs. We are treated to plenty of health information each day. But as anyone who has had a visit from the health police knows, hyper-healthy living isn't all fun and grains.

We're talking serious busybodies here. Whether you're charged by a friend, relative or total stranger, squad members are united in their mission to fix your health habits. It doesn't matter what you do--there they are, whistle in hand and ready to blow. Sure, they mean well, but armed with partial facts, the health police can be a real pain. So here we offer the straight goods on alleged health crimes--and a snappy comeback you can use when a health cop tries to clap the cuffs on you.


 

• Pregnant woman takes drugs
• New mother weans baby
• Woman dares to wine and dine
• Whistle blown on latte habit
• Canadians shirk the shot
• Cancer patient ignores unsolicited medical advice


 



 

 

 
 
 
Intro
  • Pregnant woman takes drugs
  • New mother weans baby
  • Woman dares to wine and dine
  • Whistle blown on latte habit
  • Canadians shirk the shot
  • Cancer patient ignores unsolicited medical advice
 

 
  • Safe medications for pregnant women
  • Tea benefits
  • Cold + flu guide
 

 
  • Trade health police stories in our Health forum
 

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