Wales taking the healthy lead yet again

Edwina Hart, the Welsh health minister has today revealed that junk food vending machines will be banned throughout all Welsh NHS hospitals.

Machines selling crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks will be scrapped and replaced with healthy options like fruit and water. Hospital based shops will also be encouraged to provide healthier options to its customers.

Ms Hart is eager to tackle the ever growing obesity epidemic; she said ”Diet has an important role to play in the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.” 

According to statistics almost 20% of 13-year-old children in Wales are overweight or obese – the highest rate in the UK and one of the highest in the world.

The junk food ban comes just one week after Ms Hart revealed that all hospital parking fees in Wales will be scrapped.

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