*HE'S adored by millions of children worldwide, but Santa Claus been
accused of acting in ways that could "damage millions of lives".
As the mythical man in red zooms around the planet delivering gifts
this Christmas, he is an unwitting promoter of obesity, disease and
even driving under the influence, according to an Australian academic.
Dr Nathan Grills from Australia's Monash University, said Santa's
"rotund sedentary image" had the effect of making "obesity synonymous
with cheerfulness and joviality" around the world.
In a paper published by the British Medical Journal, he also noted
that children are encouraged to leave out hard liquor such as Brandy
for a man who has a lot of travel to do in one night.
Other dangerous activities on Santa's list of festive wrongdoings
include "speeding, disregard for road rules and extreme sports such as
roof surfing and chimney jumping", because "despite the risks of high
speed air travel, he is never depicted wearing a seatbelt or helmet".
Dr Grills added that amid a global flu pandemic, most people who stand
in as Santa impersonators are not required to undergo a health check
as they get "kissed and hugged" by a succession of "snotty-nosed
kids".
"Given Santa's universal appeal, and reasoning from a public health
perspective, Santa needs to affect health by only 0.1 per cent to
damage millions of lives," he concluded.
In order to improve Santa's public image, Dr Grills urged children to
leave out carrots and celery this Christmas in the place of mince pies
and sherry, and recommended that instead of using a sleigh, the man
himself should be "encouraged to adopt a more active method to deliver
toys - swapping his reindeer for a bike or simply walking or jogging".*
>
>In a paper published by the British Medical Journal, he also noted
>that children are encouraged to leave out hard liquor such as Brandy
>for a man who has a lot of travel to do in one night.
>
Yes, he must be absolutely pallatic by the time he get back home. I
wonder why he hasn't been nicked? [Don't mention the M-word.]
--
Ian
--
;-)
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73 de Frank Turner-Smith G3VKI - mine's a pint.
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http://turner-smith.co.uk