Are you ready?

I have excellent/silly ideas too shall we air them on here?

All bungalows must have another storey and stairs put in. All stairlifts removed, no more slacking and making arthritis an excuse. Get those legs moving!!

Cupboard police to remove unhealthy and non allowed food .

I have just reread the article, it is free cinema tickets for those who do 12,500 steps 3 days a week. Lots of takers on GN I think.

Free cinema tickets? To encourage them to sit very still in a confined seat space for a couple of hours? Oh, the irony!

Maybe the cinema is miles away and you have to walk there and back.

I think it's a really good idea. If people walk 12,500 steps 3 times a week, sitting in a cinema for a couple of hours is fine. I'd prefer the NHS to spend money to keep people healthy than on drugs when they're sick. The obesity map is shocking.

Yet another stupid, headline catching but IRRELEVANT so-called initiative by so called "advisers".
I wonder how much they were paid for this nonsense?

That's why I want to join them Maw to boost the pension!!

Primrose may I ask how when I can walk 100 yards and then I have to have a rest?

I'm not sure what you're asking Charleygirl.

I am stating that I cannot physically walk 12,500 steps in 3 days and probably not even in a couple of months. It may be a good idea but it is not workable for everyone.

I don't think there's any health initiative that is perfect for everyone. However, there are plenty of people who would benefit from regular exercise and if they're nudged into better lifestyle choices then I support that.

But it is extremely patronising to say that older people who walk 12,500 steps a day will be rewarded whereas those who cannot manage that will not be.

And it is often a Catch 22 situation - you can't walk for some reason therefore the weight may go on and then it makes it more difficult still to walk.

I'll bet non of the 'think tankers' are more than about 32.

Charleygirl no cinema for you or me.

It is very telling, too, that these think tankers are offering 'Ocado' vouchers and not vouchers from Lidl or Aldi.

It just shows how how of touch they are with the majority of the public.

...and I bet they all live in cities with street lighting and all facilities within a mile or two of home. Eat out or gather up a quick ready meal on their way home and, as they live in rented property never need to worry about getting DIY materials home form B&Q.

It makes me hopping mad that they dream up these gifts ideas ( incentstives) to bribe people to be sensible and take care of their health
When I was working for the NHS They were giving gifts to pregnant mums to give up smoking but if having a babe in your belly isn't enough to make you want to protect that baby from your own stupidity then what will ? a blooming trip to the cinema isn't going to make diddly squit difference
People need to take responsibility to take care of their own health needs

I agree with you BlueBelle, people do need to take personal responsibility, but it seems that they don't. What can you do? If you turn healthy living into a game where you win prizes, it might work for some people who are not motivated by health. I'd rather live a long life, free from disease - that's the only motivation I need - others need a push in the right direction.

It's the cost that bothers me! People should take care of their own health needs. I'm one of those who think that if you get drunk enough to warrant a hospital visit for example then you should pay for that privilege. Mind you I've not thought it through enough to consider how that person will pay!!! But it's the principle. Is it the majority of the population who can't cope with their health or the minority? I can't walk that far at present and so I will be penalised for something that medical professionals hadn't considered. It makes me very cross

Would we allowed popcorn at the cinema?

Well I certainly do walk at least 12500 steps nearly every day. However, why on earth would I expect anyone to reward me for doing so. I am perfectly well aware (as is everybody else) of what is good and not good for me. I take responsibility for my own health and well being.

Before anybody starts arguing with me - I am also well aware and sympathise with the many people who are unable to exercise. But maybe if all the people who could do it - actually did it - there would be less overweight people to drain our NHS. They shouldn't be bribed or gain financially from it though.

In the words of John McEnroe, you must be joking?

We all agree that people should take care of their own health, but many do not. Just look around you - obese people everywhere on the buses, trains, in shops. How can we persuade them to take more care?