SYDNEY, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- An Australian expert on children's health estimates that 20 percent of the parents in the country may be unfit.
Fiona Stanley said young Australians are beset by problems with complex origins and complex solutions -- including obesity, binge-drinking, depression and diseases like type-2 diabetes and asthma -- the Melbourne Herald Sun reported.
"This is going to sound a bit flippant, but give me a polio any day," Stanley said. "Get the vaccine, give the vaccine, polio gone."
Stanley, who was named Australian of the Year in 2003 and is regarded as a national living treasure, said she would like a national discussion on how to help children.
"In spite of this incredible wealth creation, and also our knowledge about children's development -- we know a lot about health and how to get it -- why are we doing so badly?" she asked.
Stanley said government has a role, pointing out that Australia is one of the few developed countries that does not have universal paid leave for new parents.
