David Gordon of International Poverty Research centre at Bristol has parody of Chief Medical Officer’s top ten tips for health – Number 1 is “don’t be poor”.
| 1 | Don’t smoke. If you can, stop. If you can’t, cut down. | Don’t be poor. If you are poor, try not to be poor for too long. |
| 2 | Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. | Don’t live in a deprived area. If you do, move. |
| 3 | Keep physically active | Don’t be disabled or have a disabled child. |
| 4 | Manage stress by, for example, talking things through and making time to relax. | Don’t work in a stressful low-paid manual job. |
| 5 | If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. | Don’t live in damp, low quality housing or be homeless. |
| 6 | Cover up in the sun, and protect children from sunburn. | Be able to afford to pay for social activities and annual holidays. |
| 7 | Practise safer sex. | Don’t be a lone parent. |
| 8 | Take up cancer screening opportunities. | Claim all benefits to which you are entitled. |
| 9 | Be safe on the roads: follow the Highway Code. | Be able to afford to own a car. |
| 10 | Learn the First Aid ABC: airways, breathing and circulation. | Use education as an opportunity to improve your socio-economic position. |