I'm going to have to excuse myself for gushing about the mayor of my fair city, but I really can't help myself right now. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, has not only banned smoking in public places, banned trans fats and the overuse of salt and instituted calorie counts in fast food restaurants, but he's continuing his plan to make this city healthier by instituting a new plan to ban those oversized sugary drinks.
I think every parent should seriously go up and hug him for it.
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I understand that not everyone wants the government telling them what to drink but I wholeheartedly believe that childhood obesity is on the rise because, among other things, the giant sportions we have these days–especially when it comes to sugary beverages. Trust me, I know from personal experience because (as my mom can tell you) a lot of the weight I gained in high school was due to my intense soda habit. And if Mayor Bloomberg can do something to stop kids from gulping down 44-ounce Cokes, then more power to him! He explained his reasoning to the New York Times:
Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, "Oh, this is terrible." New York City is not about wringing your hands; it's about doing something. I think that's what the public wants the mayor to do.
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I think he's right. Maybe it's not the entire public (certainly the New York City Beverage Association isn't agreeing), but anyone who's a parent and worried about their child gaining weight should breathe a sigh of relief. I remember that not everyone loved when he banned smoking in public places, but it only did good for the city. And the oversize soda ban will only help to decrease obesity rates, only if just a little.
What do you think of the major banning oversized sodas? Do you think this is a good way to help curb the obesity rates? Share with us in the comments below!
Image via lonelysandwich/flickr
