Put Down The Mai Tai; Hawaiian Public Health Campaign Warns Against Sugary Drinks
Vacation is synonymous with Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, and Frozen Daiquiris, but even Hawaii think you should lay off the punch: The Hawaiian health department just launched a campaign against sugary soft drinks (which includes a lot of those drink mixers that practically keep its own tourism industry afloat). The campaign, called "Don't Drink Yourself Fat" has a $3.4 million federal grant to get its message out in Kauai and Maui; their public messaging is targeted at getting residents to live a healthy life style, but their tourists could probably take a tip, as well: Whether in a hotel or at home, those sugary beverages add up.
DOH Kauai district health officer Dr. Dileep Bal said that they're targeting sugary drinks because he believes they're responsible for serious health problems that can be positively affected by better public awareness:
Research points to the strong correlation between consumption of sugar-loaded beverages and obesity with its many associated health problems. We know from our experience with anti-tobacco efforts that targeted media campaigns work and are a key component not only in raising awareness, but in changing social norms.
A similar campaign launched in New York City to much controversy last year; this isn't a campaign that soft drink distributors love. But we wonder if the reception will be different in a land that's known better for cocktails and leisure than New York.
You can reach this post's author, Briana Rognlin, via e-mail at briana@blisstree.com.
Related posts:
