by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, July 30, 2012
Following New York City’s public hearing on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to cap soda sizes at 16 ounces, critics pushed back, saying the proposal “restricts choice.” The trouble is, those critics don’t explain whose choice is being restricted. And that’s because the answer is soda companies’.
Tags: Bloomberg, choice, framing, language, regulation, soda
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, June 11, 2012
Critics of public health measures often use the phrase “nanny state” to evoke fears about the U.S. government exerting too much control over people’s lives. But what’s really behind the words? And what do public health advocates lose when they repeat it?
Tags: Bloomberg, framing, gender, language, nanny state, public health, sexism, soda
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, May 14, 2012
Obesity is a symptom of a much bigger problem. Yet many of the groups working to improve health equity have placed responsibility for the country’s growing waistlines and related health issues squarely on the shoulders of individuals. And the food industry is reaping the benefits.
Tags: chronic disease, obesity, public health, weight of the nation
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, December 01, 2011
McDonald’s has found a way to skirt a San Francisco ordinance requiring restaurants offering toys to make sure the food that comes with them meets certain nutrition standards. Instead of making its Happy Meals healthier, McDonald’s is now charging for toys. But even if the fast feeder is complying with the law, they are hardly off the hook.
Tags: food marketing, Happy Meals, McDonald's, obesity, public health, San Francisco
