Doctor, tell the nation what to eat

The time is now for physicians to take strong positions on food and exercise. Canadians are confused and befuddled about what to eat and how much exercise they need. Doctors are the obvious ones to turn to for answers. There's an irony in this given the generally poor nutritional and fitness habits of the profession -- and the lack of training in either subject. That said, there's no other group in the country that communicates with citizens in such an intimate way about physical and mental health. You know, better than anyone, the toll taken by bad dietary habits and the lack of exercise. It's time to acquire the information, the communication skills, and the will to get the message out.

Here are a few of the questions Canadians would be grateful if you could answer. How much fast food can I eat safely? How much beef can I eat? How can anyone eat five portions of leafy green vegetables a day? What happens if I don't? Are vegetarians healthier? How much water should I drink? How much fish/chicken is it safe to eat? I heard you should you walk 5,000 paces a day to be in shape -- is that right? What vitamins, if any, should I take? Is it safe to eat GMO corn? Is olive oil better than butter? Should old people, like my mother, lift weights? How much sugar, salt, coffee can I take?

There are hundreds of questions out there that need answering. Let's set up the National Physician's Panel on Exercise and Nutrition (NPPEN). Let's make it a voluntary body. Let's put out regular news releases. The press would eat it up. NPPEN would get national coverage at least once a week. Canadians would be grateful. The profession's image would gleam anew. David Elkins