The health police

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