Goose at Christmas in Copenhagen?

One of the most famous traditional quotes is:



The Law condemns the Man or Woman

Who steals the Goose from off the Common,

But sets the greater Felon loose

Who steals the Common from the Goose.


Anon



A little poetry at Christmas seems only right for this blog, but what exactly is the message?



We are now in the middle of the Copenhagen Conference and at the moment it all seems to be breaking down into an argument over the ‘processes’. World leaders sweep in today to try to save things. We now live in a global village and therefore share the ‘common’. So what does the goose now represent? Oil? Coal? Forestry? All dwindling species? The fight for our common rights has gone global and we either find a fair and equitable method for the sustainable feeding and sharing of geese, or mankind suffers the consequences.



Mother Nature will take care of herself, but what about mankind? Climate change, or more accurately ‘anthropogenic global warming’ by definition is a product of man’s activities. The point is that this Conference is less about ‘climate change’ and more about ‘climate changers’. And time is running out, both for the Conference who only have two days left, and for mankind too. We are told that unless we halt further increases in greenhouse gases now, our children will be in serious jeopardy as they face the pressures of dwindling supplies, pollution and overpopulation. A successful outcome to this conference is the single most important health factor for mankind, so no wonder tensions are running high.



Unfortunately, it seems that mankind is now more than ever in the hands of the politicians, but at least they are starting to listen to the scientists. We wish them strength (we can do nothing else), but in the meantime we need to enjoy the beauty of our planet and Loughborough University have an excellent suggestion:



Enjoy the Commons together as a family



52% of Families Admit They Walk Less Than They did 10 Years ago. Researchers from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Science at Loughborough University are today encouraging families worldwide to take more regular exercise together in the New Year following concerning research that shows two-thirds of people across the globe are not walking together as a family (68%), with the Portuguese being the least likely (71%) and Austrians (63%) most likely to walk together.



The traditional 'promenade' or 'paseo' is on the decline, with over half of respondents globally (52%) reporting they walk less than they did 10 years ago, citing lack of interest from other family members (45%); too little time (43%); lack of information about where to walk (39%); tiredness (38%) and poor motivation (33%) as the main barriers. Likewise, the increase in more sedentary activity is seen to be a contributory factor, with families choosing to spend their time together for mealtimes (80%), sitting around talking (66%) and/or watching TV (53%).



However, the festive period is still the most conducive to families walking together, with 69% of respondents working off the Xmas excess with the Austrians again and Germans (=86%) most likely to do so and the Spanish (56%) and Americans (58%) least likely to do so. Likewise, being healthier, getting fresh air (=73%) and enjoying the weather (65%) were reported as motivators for families to walk more regularly together.



Dr Stacy Clemes, Lecturer in Human Biology at Loughborough University, comments: "Lack of physical activity is widely documented across the world as a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Despite walking being described as an ideal form of exercise, it is concerning to see families worldwide not using this cheap and effective form of exercise to promote their family's health."



A good walk is often also an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing and where we are going. Let’s not cook the goose.



The survey was sponsored by MBT footwear.
The basic unit of all living organisms. Full medical glossary
A disease of long duration generally involving slow changes. Full medical glossary
In physics it is the tendency of a force to twist or rotate another object Full medical glossary
trichomonal vaginosis Full medical glossary