October: Marketing Month For Mind-Body Health

Oct. 1, 2009 As a compelling touchpoint for Health Literacy month, which includes  October’s Domestic Violence Awareness programs, RespectRx reminds, "15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year. And 1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a … [Read more...]

Media, Misinformation and Unhealthy Spin

August 14, 2009 I'm very thankful that Shaping Youth Nutrition Correspondent Rebecca Scritchfield, RD takes the helm today with her piece "The Price of Misinformation in Media," as I’m trying to manage some media of my own to make sure I’m not misinterpreted either! As you know by now, I’m quite media shy, not just because I'm a former journalist who can ‘spot the spin’ with … [Read more...]

Like Taking Candy From A Baby: Camel Trots Out Nicotine Tricks (Again)

Mar. 16, 2009 Gotta put my cranky pants on again…. R.J.Reynolds is lighting the fuses of frustrated parents by offering Camel nicotine laced ‘orbs, strips, and sticks’ coming at kids in the mints and gum portion of the candy aisle right near the checkout. That’s right, dissolvable nicotine. Cigs are off limits, Joe Camel is kaput, so now we’ve got fresh breath-freshener … [Read more...]

Kidney Stones In Kindergarten? Put Down the Sports Drink, Kiddo!

Today’s New York Times reports "A Rise in Kidney Stones Seen in U.S. Children," naming high sodium intake of processed foods as one of the culprits, sending wee ones into urology clinics (no pun intended). Ever since the multimillion dollar marketing blitz sanctifying sports drinks as a 'better for you' beverage I've watched kids chug down those colossal sized jugs of neon … [Read more...]

HFCS Corn Wars: A Surprise That’s Far from Sweet

“Mom, go to SweetSurprise.com right now!” yelled my daughter in an urgent commando bark. Before I could even protest her lousy timing, I got a “NOW! I’m not kidding! GO! GO!” she shouted at me like a drill sergeant. Sheesh. Well, when she’s right, she’s right. Turns out ABC Family was running not one, not two, but EIGHT rotations of … [Read more...]