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15:15 On the topic of harmful sugar consumption, Public Health England has warned that children are having half of their daily recommended sugar with their breakfast.
By the end of the day, they have consumed three times their allowance, reports the Mail.
PHE chief nutritionist Dr Alison Tedstone said: ‘Children have far too much sugar, and a lot of it is before their first lesson of the day.
‘It’s crucial for children to have a healthy breakfast, but we know the mornings in a busy household can be fraught.
‘That’s why we’ve developed our Be Food Smart App, taking some of the pressure off parents and helping them to choose healthier food and drink options for their children.’
12:30 Dentists are calling for an end to a workplace culture of sharing cakes and sweet treats, reports the BBC.
The Faculty of Dental Surgery says the custom is ‘detrimental’ to the health of workers and to ‘combat’ the culture should be the New Year’s resolution for 2017.
Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons, said: ‘While these sweet treats might be well meaning, they are also contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health.
‘We need a culture change in offices and other workplaces that encourages healthy eating and helps workers avoid caving in to sweet temptations such as cakes, sweets and biscuits.’
They also give a list of tips for how to lower sugar consumption at work, including avoiding snacking altogether and keeping sugar as a lunchtime treat. They also advise hiding away treats, as if they are visible people may eat more.
9:55 Happy new year and welcome to the first live blog of the year.
It’s not such a happy new year to civil servants at the Department of Health, who have been revealed as the unhappiest in Whitehall.
A survey by the PoliticsHome website has found that only 24% of those working there would recommend it as a great place to work, compared with 44% a year ago. It also has the lowest score out of any in Whitehall for confidence in its leadership, and the inclusion and fair treatment of staff.
A Department of Health spokesman said: ’Whilst these are disappointing results, the survey coincided with a significant restructure and consequently an unsettling time for staff.
’Our priority now is to act swiftly on feedback and continue to engage with staff.’
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