Father Christmas is a bad role model because he encourages drink driving, risk-taking and obesity, according to a top doctor.
Public health expert Dr Nathan Grills says Father Christmas must be over the limit while driving his sleigh after all those beers, brandies and sherries – and he doesn’t even wear a seatbelt.
He also says Santa is overweight and blames the mince pies and alcohol left out for him by families worldwide.
Dr Grills was assessing the negative impact of Santa’s image on public health in a tongue-in-cheek article in the British Medical Journal.
"To create a supportive environment for Santa’s dieting we should cease the tradition of leaving him cookies, mince pies, and milk, brandy, or sherry," he said. "This is bad not only for Santa’s waistline but for parental obesity.
"Santa might also be encouraged to adopt a more active method to deliver toys – swapping his reindeer for a bike or walking or jogging."
Dr Grills added: "Other dangerous activities that Santa could be accused of promoting include speeding, disregard for road rules, and extreme sports such as roof surfing and chimney jumping."
Click here to read the full Ananova news report.
Nick,
I thank Santa’s Little Helper was tongue in cheek too!
As for the article – it didn’t highlight the poor nCAP ratings for Santa’s sleigh…then again Santa has never been big on ‘Elf and Safety’!!
Santa’s Bigger Helper, Blackburn
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Santa’s Little Helper, Rochdale – I think Dr Grills’ remarks were made tongue in cheek. At least I hope they were, otherwise he is indeed a very sad man!! Merry Christmas everyone!
Nick Rawlings, Stennik
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I thought doctors were supposed to be clever? Will those who think they know best leave things alone, then the sensible people can look at this very jolly character and can enjoy Christmas with their families!
I have never actually considered the fact, that if someone got caught for DD, they might try and use the excuse that, “If the man in the red suit can do it?” As for obesity and roof surfing, don’t people realise that magic dust prevents falling and acts as an appetite depressant. Seriously Dr Grills, get a life.
Santa’s Little Helper Rochdale
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watch out santa the pc brigade will be coming after you!!
anonymus
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