Heart HealthShould the government regulate choices that impact our health?
I was just reviewing the results of a Harris Poll. The Harris Poll is administered by Harris Interactive. Harris Interactive is a leading custom market research firm that works with a variety of industries, including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, and telecommunications.
The poll I reviewed is focused on how Americans feel about legislation to regulate healthy living, such as taxes of sugar sweetened beverages or the banning of smoking in restaurants.
This particular Harris Poll included 2,211 United States adults over the age of 18-years-old. The poll was conducted between February 27-29, 2012.
I’m curious to know if you agree with the majority. Here are some of the findings:
- 91% support a ban on texting while driving (strongly supported by 74%)
- 70% support a ban of talking on the cell phone while driving (strongly supported by 43%)
- 78% support the requirement of eating establishments to reveal nutritional information on menus (strongly supported by 34%)
- 86% support standard round of childhood vaccinations being required (strongly supported by 55%)
- 80% support smoking bans in restaurants and public places (strongly supported by 58%)
- 76% against employers citing obesity as a reason for not hiring (strongly opposed by 43%)
- 65% against employers not hiring due to being a smoker (strongly opposed by 34%)
- 62% against the tax of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (strongly opposed by 37%)
Tired of changes that don't last?
For the most part I agree with the majority on these issues. However, this enters a sticky area in regards to government policy and our individual freedoms. Do we want regulations that keep the majority in a safe and healthy environment?
I’m not sure what is the right answer. I don’t want someone to smoke inside or near my daughter’s school, but I also want the freedom to choose which vaccinations are right for her or not. This is a fine line. What do you think?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
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