The health police

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Updated November 2, 2012

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.

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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