I woke up this morning without a topic to blog about. Hoping for inspiration, I keuriged a cup of decaf and decided to read through some headlines. I find that more often than not news can wake me up better than coffee.
First off, though, all you moms know that Bumbo issued a recall of their seats, right? These things:
Yes, mom fail. Hailey sat in hers on the counter. Donβt do it. There have been falls and skull fractures. If you have the seat, you can contact Bumbo at http://www.recall.bumbousa.com/ and get a free restraint belt.
Now letβs talk obesity in America. 68.8% of all US adults are either overweight or obese (source). This canβt surprise many people since figuring out how to make Americans healthier is always front and center in the news.
Recently Mayor Bloomberg announced plans to ban large sweetened drinks from New York City as a new anti-obesity platform. Under this initiative, drinks like sodas, slushies, lemonade, sweetened tea, juice and sweetened coffee (drinks with more than 25 calories per 8 ounces) would have to be sold in 16oz sized cups or less, about the size of a usual medium drink.
Interesting. But what about buying more than one drink? What about free refills at restaurants? What about buying a larger size at the grocery store? They arenβt covered under this new regulation. Should they be regulated, too?
Personally, no. I think these regulations are well-intentioned, but fail miserably in accomplishing the goal at hand. I donβt believe that the government regulating the amount or type of food we eat is the answer, mostly because where does it stop? Whatβs next? No desserts allowed on menus? No BΓ©arnaise sauce? A scale in the restaurant that allows thin people to order and eat more than heavier people?
If the government really wants to help America get healthier, why donβt they stop subsidizing corn, soybeans and wheat, which allows junk food to undersell nutritious food? But thatβs a topic for another day.
Ok, stepping down from my soapbox now and asking for your thoughts. I love a good discussion, so please weigh (pun intended) in.
Do you thinking banning large sweetened drinks is a good choice in Americaβs quest to be healthier?
Lee says
I don’t think that banning anything is the answer. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what is. No sodas or sugary drinks in schools, maybe? That would set it up so kids wouldn’t have a taste for it. I have no idea!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Okay my comment has nothing to do with sweet drinks but with the Bumbo. I’m sure that even though you put Hailey in it, you never once LEFT her alone in it. I can’t imagine if you are truly watching your child that anything bad could happen – obviously those seats have no restraint, and once babies start to get wiggly they can start to try to “pop” out of it. Common sense tells me that these people just need to watch their children more? Just my two cents!
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
Agreed! This recall isn’t about the product, it’s about parents not watching their kids!
Jen says
Completely agree!
PS- cannot believe how TINY H was in that picture! Where has the time gone?
erin says
I agree that you need to watch your child, but unless you are 100% staring at your kid every second they are on the counter in a bumbo then don’t do it. And lets be honest you can say you are right there, not leaving them for a second and so on, but if they are on the counter in a bumbo then you are probably doing something like cooking, making lunch and so forth so your eyes are not 100% on them. It doesn’t take walking fully away and out of the room for a baby to arch their back in a bumbo and go flying to the ground. If you were really 100% focussed on them then why not be on the floor interacting? We all know it only takes a nanosecond for a child to fall out and you may or may not catch them in time.
I too agree that like most recalls it is not the fault of the product but rather people missusing the product. The bumbo clearly state to never use it on an elevated surface, but still people do ALL the time and I can bet that even a SECOND recall for the same reason will not stop people from making bad choices and babies being hurt.
Brittany I don’t think you are a terrible mother by any means. We all make bad choice and do thing that were clearly not the best decissions. I woun’t lie I have done things like left my baby on the changing table while I grabbed wipes on the other side of the room. Sure he was too young to roll or even move, but he could have. Yup not smart. I totally respect that you admitted your mistakes!
Dana says
I couldn’t agree with you more about how to really make America healthier. Better health and nutrition education starting in elementary school, whole food lunches at schools, access to green space and gardens from a young age, and NOT subsidizing corn and soybeans.
Megan says
Why is it that whenever people become too dumb to make their own decisions, the government has to step in and make it for them? And while it seems that Bloomberg has good intentions, once again, the mark has been missed. Instead of attempting to educate the masses so that they can start to make their own healthy choices, he simply takes away the temptation for them. Well.. Sort of. As you said, it won’t really matter because the people who want a large Coke will just buy two smaller ones.
Just another defining moment in America’s quest to create mindless idiots.
Brittany says
Megan, I have a feeling you and I would enjoy an in person discussion on this topic! π I share your sentiments.
blackhuff says
No, I agree with you. That’s not the answer. Just like you said, they need to start regulating the substitutions in food. They need to stop companies substitute things in food and make food healthier = Fast food shops especially. Even if that means that the food is going to be more expensive.
The Bumbo seat of yours without the straps, is also something that my children’s seats did not have. On the other hand though, I did not place the children on high objects. They only sat in the Bumbo seat on the floor.
Ellen says
I agree with you that banning is not the answer. Banning anything only leads to illegal activities. I think government should look at reversed pricing, make junk food more expensive and make healthy alternatives cheaper. Costs associated with fresh produce can be offset by revenue from junk food. If I had to choose between a 50 cent apple and a three dollar chocolate bar I would be more likely to choose the apple!
Krista says
Oops I just gave my bumbo to a neighbor! I just ordered the strap from your link and will give that to her when I get it. Thanks for the info I had no idea!
Whitney says
Banning everything is NOT the answer. The government can’t change the nation’s unhealthy habits. You have to change for yourself or you will never stick with it. I love this topic. I wish I could help every obese person out there and it makes me smile when I see them at the gym or outside walking π
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
I don’t think the government should control what we eat period. I think Education is key. On another note: I was in target the other day and this huge lady, I mean HUGE lady was behind me and I heard her talking about how she had a Big Mac in her fridge and she couldn’t wait to eat when she got home. Mind you it was 8:30 at night. I mean really? Maybe you should start with some carrots. That kind of stuff kills me!
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
Ha! Seriously. I’m with you on that one. Stuff like that makes me angry. I realize not everyone is as passionate about food/nutrition as I (us), but I still don’t understand how people can live like that. Not that I don’t indulge in unhealthy food too, but eating well most of the time and exercising balances everything out. Education and understanding how food effects your body is so important!
Kate says
I think in a lot of cases like that, nutrition and exercise are not the real issues. In many cases of both extreme obesity and extreme underweight-ness (just made that up ha) there are other things at the root of the problem- emotional/mental/psychological factors. The food intake and/or exercise/lack of exercise are the visible signs, but in a lot of cases they are masking something else or are merely symptoms of other issues. I understand that for people without a history of food issues it’s easy to think “it’s so easy to eat healthily and be moderately active- why can some people not motivate themselves??” but in reality, a lot of people are dealing with other things. So comments like this make me a little uncomfortable- we have no way of knowing what that food is being used to cover up, or what other struggles that woman might be having.
Brittany says
Hi Kate! You make a really good point and I completely agree with that too. I do understand there is more to it than just lack of education, committing to moderate exercise, etc. We cannot judge other people, and I realize that may be how I came off in my first comment. I am mostly just saddened by people who turn to food to cover up their problems. I have issues just like the rest of us. We deal with those issues differently and I just wish I could help people deal with those issues in a more healthy way. Maybe I need to be a counselor. Ha!
Paulina says
I literally just posted a link on FB about diet soda consumption in children. I’ll add the link at the bottom of this comment. I agree with you on this. If the government really wants to stop the obesity epidemic, it should start by educating the public and making it easier, cheaper, and more desirable to make smart and healthy choices. The First Lady is trying increase public awareness about health and fitness, but I think more action is needed from the government itself.
On a personal note, I recently found out that my mother-in-law has been giving my 10 month old daughter “juice-pop” when she babysits (here in Michigan it’s pop, not soda!). She mixes a sippy cup with juice and pop. I’m not OK with this, but I’m also not quite sure how to bring it up to her without hurting her feelings. My baby is still a baby and has no need for pop or juice. I don’t even drink those things! Oh well, she doesn’t babysit very often, so I’ll figure that one out soon enough.
So back to the topic, I honestly think a lot of people don’t realize how unhealthy and unnecessary soda and other sugary drinks are. I’m not sure what the solution is, but I like the idea of stopping the subsidies for junk-food ingredients. Getting healthier food into school cafeterias is also a step in the right direction. And maybe better funding for phys-ed programs in schools. I still remember learning how to do sit-ups and other exercises in grade school gym class.
Here is the link. This website is kinda funny in a sarcastic way, but it makes a good point.
http://jezebel.com/5935210/some-people-are-a-little-nervous-about-american-kids-drinking-so-much-diet-soda?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Brittany says
Thanks so much for your input Paulina. You’re a better woman than I am. I’d be pretty frustrated if I found out a sitter (I know family, but still) was giving Hailey pop (it’s fun to call it that ;)). Thanks for the link- I’m off to check it out!
Krista says
I would be so mad too! My 4.75 year old doesn’t even drink soda!
Whitney says
My mother in law would be getting an ear full if she did that!!! π
Tracey says
Honestly, it’s not the govt or fast food places faults. It’s people! People are obviously to dumb and lazy to eat healthy or in moderation! It’s NOT McDonald’s fault for having supersized drinks or fries, it’s NOT burgers kings fault for selling huge burgers. It’s peoples lack of willpower. Nobody can take responsibility for themselves getting fat so
The govt has to step in.
Its simple; if people choose to be unhealthy , and make their kids unhealthy let them. It just shows their lack of intelligence and concern for their families well being.
Andrea says
A 24oz Pepsi has about 300 calories in it. Maybe the government should start an ad program that educates people on what 300 calories means. It means running 3 miles, cycling at a moderate pace for 45 minutes, et… I think many people don’t realize what it takes to burn off what they consume. Or that a typical lunch should be 500-600 calories and that 24oz Pepsi you’re drinking accounts for half your lunch calorie intake. Bottom line you’re not going to change America’s eating habits, especially when a full meal at McDonald’s is such a cheap alternative. But maybe we can help people make better decisions by educating folks about what a calorie means.
Danielle says
I think people need to realize that this isn’t necessarily an issue of people being “dumb” or simply making bad choices. Of course that may be at play in some circumstances, but for others, the issue is that they have no healthy choices. I’m pretty sure this was raised when you did your food challenge a few months ago, but in several neighborhoods, particularly in urban settings, you don’t have the option of choosing an apple over a bag of chips. In several “food desert” areas of Washington DC, families are forced to purchase groceries at places like 7-11. Until those places carry healthy options, I’m not sure what these familes are expected to do. In DC, we now have farmer’s markets that accept food stamps, and they are moving into lower income areas, but we’re still a long way away from having carrots be a readily accessible food item in many of our neighborhoods.
That’s not to say regulation is the answer, but it certainly isn’t as simple as “don’t be dumb and make better choices.”
Kelly @ Runmarun says
I think the tide is slowly turning away from food deserts:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/health/research/pairing-of-food-deserts-and-obesity-challenged-in-studies.html
Danielle says
Still looks pretty significant to me.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-desert-locator/go-to-the-locator.aspx
Although I admit I didn’t expect to see so much in rural areas. They are often overlooked I think.
Thanks posting the link to the NY Times story- really interesting!
Kelly @ Runmarun says
Thanks for the link to that image, wow, that is definitely significant. I agree, the look at rural areas was an interesting part of the article.
Brittany says
The map is really interesting, thanks for sharing! I actually looked closer at the data because I was surprised by all the pink. Reading their definition, “low access” was defined as being more than 1 mile from a grocery store in an urban setting or more than 10 miles in a rural setting. Also, in a decent amount of different deserts I clicked on, I saw that very low percentages and sometimes 0% had no car, meaning that a lot of the people in the food desert have transportation and would be able to drive to get food.
Obviously my “research” was some random clicks on certain deserts, but I feel like the overabundance of pink upon first glace might make the problem seem a little more prevalent than it it? Maybe not. Interesting data either way! After all, food deserts are only the tip of the iceberg in America’s struggle with healthy living. There are so many contributing factors!
Thank you both so much for the input and discussion!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
I think banning large drinks is equivalent to banning fast food. It doesn’t make a difference. You have to WANT to change and WANT to have your health be a priority. Banning food and drinks will do nothing but make someone want it more. Teaching and leading by example is the way to change things, not banning foods and drinks.
Kelly @ Runmarun says
Good topic, Brittany.
I feel strongly that the government should not be banning soft drinks either. It is not the government’s place to determine what we can or can’t consume. We have the right to drink 15 Cokes in a day if we want to, to choose to buy a salad instead of a hamburger at McDonald’s, to choose to purchase produce in the grocery store instead of processed meals, or to buy a package of Oreos because that’s what we really want.
Everyone makes choices every single day- some of them good and some of them bad. Banning certain sizes of soft drinks is not going to fix the obesity epidemic and supply and demand regulate what is inexpensive and what isn’t in our country.
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
If people want to be unhealthy and eat unhealthy foods they will do it. Just like if people really want to do drugs (illegal or not) they can usually find a way.
Meg @ My Chocolate Covered Life says
I completely agree with you. Government needs to subsidize fresh produce and make sure there aren’t food deserts in areas so that everyone can make greens a part of their daily life.
erin says
Banning large size soda is like putting a Band-Aid on a bleeding artery. It is a publicity thing to make it look like someone cares, but in reality it will do nothing. People make bad choices and the only way to change that is to educate them and provide access to healthier options. I just think that the problem is so much deeper that supersized soda.
Coleen @ DNCWWO says
I was nodding along with your whole post. Banning sugary drinks is not the answer. End corn subsidies. Bring gym class back to schools. Heck, maybe even bring home ec classes (for girls AND boys) back! How many people turn to convenience and fast foods because they never learned to cook?
Brittany says
Coleen, I love the idea of bringing back Home Ec! I think not knowing how to cook is definitely a factor in why people choose more convenience foods. Great point!
Sarah says
“If the government really wants to help America get healthier, why donβt they stop subsidizing corn, soybeans and wheat, which allows junk food to undersell nutritious food?” <— YES!
Oh I get so worked up over this stuff! It affects the federal deficit, health care crisis, medicare, campaign finance, school lunch programs… on and on….
Danica @ It's Progression says
I like the idea behind it but unfortunately I think banning something will only make a lot of people want it more…Instead of saying “no” to the bad things we should start educating people on the dangers of those “bad drinks,” fast food menus, etc. That way people can make informed decisions and truly learn for themselves what is and isn’t a healthy choice.
char eats greens says
My good friend has a daughter named Hailey, too!! I agree with Chelsey and the bumbo seat!! I don’t know if banning large drinks is the answer. But maybe they want to start somewhere? People will find what they want to find!
Cait says
Just curious, why is it not ok for the government to ban foods that contribute to disease and offer no nutritional benefits, but it is perfectly fine for companies to create and sell them? I think in this debate we’re losing focus on the fact that Dr. Pepper doesn’t grow on trees. It is not a natural resource. This isn’t like keeping someone from basic human rights – Pepsi is not freedom of speech. You’re simply buying something that someone made to make money off of you – even if it makes you sick. Supporting products that harm people just to say you’re free to do so is capitalism at its worst. This is not restricting freedoms, this is putting the breaks on man made products that make society ill. I have to assume most of us DO want the toxins taken out of our environment, our cleaning products, etc, becuase they’re bad for us. Why is this so different?
Also, how do people compare this with banning smoking in certain areas? I see the two as pretty similar since I remember the freak out around the tax increase and the non-smoking in restaurants when I was younger.
Side note about the food deserts, the issue is worse than you think. I’ve worked in this area as a part of a non-profit and the combination of poor education about food, low income families, no transportation options, and lack of availability + high cost of healthy food is actually horribly prevalent in the U.S. If you’ve never seen it for yourself, you’re lucky.
Kristi says
While traveling South America my husband and I befriended an Australian couple. Coincidentally the girl had lived in Chapel Hill (I’m also an NC girl! Holla!) for a bit as a child and so we got to talking about American stuff, etc. She remembered loving Lucky Charms cereal and made the comment “we’d never be able to buy something like that in Australia” (b/c of the sugar content). We also learned that things like alcohol are heavily taxed and a case of beer is upwards of $50. I don’t know any of Australia’s obesity statistics but I wonder if these tactics work?!
It’s also really mind blowing to spend extended periods outside of the US (we lived in Central America for 2 years) and return home to see every other person is overweight. Where we lived there were definitely overweight people but far, far fewer overweight kids. It’s so sad!!
Melissa @ Fit 'N' Well Mommy says
It is a start, but I really don’t think banning the size of soft drinks it going to decrease the rate of obesity. I think we need to provide more funding for health and physical education programs in our schools, not to mention clean-up the cafeteria food! In California, we are cutting our P.E. programs and “health class” is pretty non-existent, so our children are not getting any education on proper nutrition or exercise. I know a large part of it comes from a child’s home, but our schools should also be able to educate our youth at a very young age to help prevent obesity down the road!
Bethany @ One Girl's Taste On Life says
This topic frustrates me so much. As a mom of a 8mo, I strive to make healthy choices for him. I plan to educate him with all my knowledge of wholesome, healthy foods. That’s job one for our government IMO. EDUCATE people. I like Andrea’s thoughts on showing people just how much 300 calories is or how hard you have to work to burn it. Most people have no idea what they’re putting in their bodies. They think eating healthy means having a salad so they go to the salad bar, barely pick up any of the greens and add croutons, bacon bits, cheese, and a sea of ranch dressing to the plate.
Job 2 for the government is to put stricter regulations on what qualifies as Food Stamp Worthy food. I work retail and it absolutely KILLS ME when someone buys chips, cookies, candy, and soda with their EBT card. If I’m paying for you to have a meal, I would really like you to eat something healthy, that’s not going to kill you in 10 years!
I think every child in America should have nutrition class. And it should start pretty young. Train the kids early so they grow up with it and you don’t have to retrain them later on! It makes me so sad to see little boys and girls already obese at the age of 5. We are the most overweight country by 6%! I will say I’m happy more people are taking notice of the epidemic and trying to find solutions instead of just sweeping it under the rug like usual.
Great topic, Brittany!
Luv What You Do says
What an adorable Bumbo picture! We were just talking about the pluses (and minuses) of bumbos at work today (in relation to the recall!). My theory…the bumbo is not a babysitter! But a great tool for sitting and cute pictures!
Arielle Larmondra says
You hit the nail on the head! Tackling the Subsidized corn wheat and soy is the real source of progress for obesity. And GMOs?? Don’t get me started on that! How do we educate the masses? How do we encourage the government to do something that will REALLY make a difference. Maybe we all just need to be lobbyists!
Lindsay@Fuel My Family says
It says right on the bumbo not to put on high surfaces or leave unattended so I think it’s sad such a great product is suffering because of user error.
I know sugary cereals and things aren’t even sold in some other countries so maybe they are on to something!