This morning I heard the news of the Anti-Happy-Meal campaign in California. The news reporter poked fun at it, as are lots of people. It does seem ridiculous to have to spend time and resources to get our businesses and citizens to act responsibly, but that is the plight of our nation. Do we really have to resort to these kinds of measures to keep ourselves from feeding our children the poor substitute for food that sets them up for chronic illnesses down the road? I personally don’t feel this kind of legislation will be at all effective, but at least it might stir some conversation and awareness that Happy Meals are not acceptable sustinence for children.
A similar story revolves around the Childrens Wireless Protection Act, introduced in Maine and also considered in San Francisco. The act was formulated ” in response to some scientific studies that suggest cell phone radiation can, over long periods of time, cause brain tumors on the side of the brain where the phone is held, and men who carry cell phones in their pocket may experience lower sperm counts.
Other recommendations made by the committee Monday were that The City [San Francisco] purchase cell phones emitting the lowest possible radiation; that the school district educate students and parents about cell phone radiation; and the federal and state governments consider banning cell phone advertising aimed at children, who may be more vulnerable to any health risks associated with mobile phones.”
This regulation also sparked a torrent of controversy, as does any attempt to take on powerful industries such as communication or fast food. Perhaps these types of laws are not the best way to mitigate health issues, but at least they do bring them to light. We can not be content to believe that large industries are benevolently looking out for our health interests. We must take on more responsiblity for our health so that we are not reliant on our healthcare system to pay the bills for our poor health in the future. I have to give credit to individuals who are willing to stick their necks out against popular and powerful industries who may be ignoring our best interests in favor of financial gain.