Photo Credit: iLoveButter

“Sugary drinks shouldn’t be a part of our everyday diet,” said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley. “Drinking beverages loaded with sugars increases the risk of obesity and associated problems, particularly diabetes but also heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer.”

My name is Rob, and I have a sweet tooth. I do love my dark chocolate and once upon a time I loved soda, or pop as we call it in Canada. I fully believe that soda contributed to my gaining 50 pounds that took a lot more effort to take off than put on.

While I was home sick watching daytime TV I was surprised at the level of discourse over healthcare reform in the US. The vitriol and attacks against the plan was disturbing. The screaming matches at Town Hall meetings and the way the demonstrators derided the President.

One thing that shocked me were the ads about not taxing soft drinks. The American Beverage Association is running a $2 million ad campaign to oppose a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, depicting it as a tax on “simple pleasures.” Well, simple pleasures lead to health issues that cost everyone. If a product causes health problems long term, shouldn’t governments have the ability to tax the product to cover the costs associated?

I really like the campaign that New York Department of Health is running asking “are you pouring on the pounds?“. They lay out clearly the calories and the number of teaspoons of each type of drink. It lays out the facts clearly. Its well worth a read.