Madam, - Dr Muiris Houston, commenting on the need to encourage more exercise as a public health measure (Health Supplement, January 4th), makes the novel suggestion that the Government should support the use of gyms and health centres through prescription for medical card patients and through tax-breaks for others.
The increased obesity in Ireland in recent years appears to be an inexorable trend. It is clearly related to changes in nutritional and exercise habits which parallel those in other Western countries. The trend can only be reversed through enlightened public policies, such as that suggested by Dr Houston.
Providing facilities for walkers, runners and cyclists in housing estates, in dormitory towns and in the country roads, tackling the insurance problems which discourage the use of exercise and sporting facilities, and encouraging health professionals to become more involved in counselling and health promotion are just some policies which might be implemented.
Your weekly Health Supplement is in itself an important contribution to the public health and deserves our commendation. - Yours, etc.,
RISTEÁRD MULCAHY, (Professor Emeritus), Roebuck Road, Dublin 14.