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Community Info Health News
 How To Reach Us: St. Louis Front Page Community News P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 http://www.slfp.com Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com  |
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Chamber Study Shows Obesity Lawsuits Are No Diet Aid WASHINGTON, (PRNewswire), July 6, 2003 - A new study by the United States Chamber of Commerce challenges the notion that fast food restaurants are to blame for the increase in obesity among Americans and says that lawsuits won't help people lose weight. "Lawyers hungry for more money should resist the temptation to take a bite out of the fast food industry," said Lisa A. Rickard, president of the Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. "Overweight Americans will not find the solution to obesity in the courtroom but in making wise choices to eat smaller portions and healthier foods wherever they go." The Chamber commissioned former White House economist Todd G. Buchholz to examine reasons why Americans have gained weight over the last several decades. "Burger, Fries and Lawyers: The Beef Behind Obesity Lawsuits," acknowledges statistics that over half of American adults are overweight. But the study outlines several reasons for this phenomenon: Americans are more sedentary than in years past; snack twice as often between meals as they did two decades ago; and consume about 200 calories more each day than they did in the 1970s. Plaintiffs' lawyers are eager to deploy the same kind of tactics they used in the tobacco lawsuits, charging that fast food restaurants have acted negligently or deceptively in selling products high in cholesterol, fat, salt and sugar. But the study found that fast-food chains willingly and readily produce nutritional content charts. "You do not need a tort lawyer by your side to pry open a brochure or to check the thousands of Web sites that will provide nutrition data [on fast food]," said Buchholz. The study concludes, "Fast food meals ... are not chemically addictive," and one seldom hears of a fast food patron "shaking with withdrawal symptoms when they give up a turkey sandwich or frozen fish fillet." "Fortunately or unfortunately, Americans' freedom of choice includes the freedom to overeat," said Rickard. "Lawsuits against fast food firms won't change that." Summer Season Sizzles With Potential for Injuries Around the Home WILKESBORO, N.C., (PRNewswire), July 6, 2003 - The summer season marks the time for families to enjoy some of America's traditional summer pastimes -- barbecues, pool parties and backyard gatherings. However, your family's festivities could be jeopardized by a trip to the emergency room if you don't follow some simple steps to ensure your family and friends do not fall victim to some of the most common summer safety hazards. "We want families to enjoy their summers and not be plagued by some of the most common safety mistakes associated with the summer season," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "Kids and their friends are home more during the summer, so you want to make sure your house is prepared for the increase in activity and guests. We want families to be aware of their summertime surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your family and guests are safe from potential injuries these areas can cause." The Home Safety Council recommends the public be particularly aware of potential dangers when it comes to: grilling, pools and lawn care. These three areas comprise some of the greatest summertime threats to families. Grilling Safety According to the NFPA, gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,800 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 1999. To make sure your next barbecue doesn't go up in flames, the Home Safety Council recommends the following tips:
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1-9, claiming 769 children in this age group in 2000*. According to Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America(TM) report, more than 4,000 children ages 0-9 visited emergency departments for unintentional drownings in 2001. Though pool drownings are only a part of the problem, taking a dip in the family pool may dip into your summer fun if you don't follow some simple steps to ensure a safe swim for your family and friends.
Backyard Safety Lawn mowing and landscaping top the list of household chores when it comes to preparing for backyard parties and barbecues. The simple act of yard work can be riddled with opportunities for injuries, if you're not careful. According to the State of Home Safety in America(TM) report, an estimated 239,000 people require emergency room care due to yard and garden equipment incidents. The Home Safety Council recommends the following tips to make sure your backyard doesn't become an injury trap:
"It only takes a few minutes to practice these simple summer safety tips," said Appy. "By being alert and prepared, families are reducing their chances of injuries for their loved ones." Archived Stories: Mother's Day Initiative 'Heartfelt News About Mom's Heart Health' (video) Practical Tips for Avoiding Spring-Cleaning Injuries Combating Childhood Obesity Requires Improved Nutrition And Physical Activity Hi-Tech Heart Surgery (video) National Eczema Group Issues Warning About Smallpox Vaccination Health Care Cost Continue to Rise Hopeful Wishes Teddy Donations to Help Breast Cancer Foundation Americans Underestimate the Consequences of Allergies Says Survey American Heart Association Launches Program to Help Women Improve Their Health Health Officials Issue Hot Weather Tips Use of Internet for Health Care Information Increases, Says Harris Interactive Poll West Nile Virus Underlines Threat From Mosquito-Borne Diseases McDonnell Foundation Awards Grants for Research Linking Brain and Behavior St. Louis Ranks 24th in Spring Allergy Cities St. Louis is Ranked Ninth Fattest City Kids Not as Healthy and Fit as They Could Be Asthma Is A Growing Concern in St. Louis More Americans Change Their Eating Habits Due to Heath and Nutrition Concerns TFTC Challenges Comfrey Products Promoted via Internet What's the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke? Think Sparklers Are Safe? Think Again, Says SLUCare Opthalmologist Four-day Local Pollen Forecast Desktop Tool Helps Allergy Suffers Electronic Meal and Health Management Tool  The SLFP.com - Community Info is presented in conjunction with the St. Louis Front Page and Southwest Illinois News. The sites are owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan St. Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2008 Moore Design Group . |
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