Leighton Buzzard Business Club had our meeting on Zoom (Covid).  The 10 minute slot was presented by Dave Gordon, Manager of A-Plan Insurance based in Hemel Hempstead.  He talked about the importance of reading company newsletters..

 

Dave shared some articles from the A-Plan January Newsletter about the changes in insurance cover since Brexit; travelling to and in the EU; green cards; health cover and the importance of finding out the necessary relevant information before you travel.

 

He also noted that many newsletters contained general items of interest, prizes, promotions, career advice such as setting up goals and even fitness and health.

 

 

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For the 5 minute general information slot, Christine Barham talked about the evils of refined sugar, especially hidden sugars in carbonated drinks. Intake of sugars contributes to, even causes many health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.

 

In addition, such sugars can foster addict-like responses and trigger a tendency to cravings for more fizzy drinks as well as a craving for salty foods. This is particularly dangerous in young children whose tastes are being formed and are targeted by advertisers.

 

Finally, Christine gave a few examples of how people are lulled into thinking that some fruit drinks are healthy.  For example:

Appeltiser 275 ml bottle has 7 tsps sugar

Red Bull 250 ml has 7tsps of sugar

Coca Cola 330 ml can 7 tsps

Pret sparkling grape and elderflower 330ml can 9tsps sugar

M&S Gastropub ginger beer 17 tsps sugar

 

In short, beware hidden sugars in food, especially processed foods and drinks especially fizzy drinks.