The consumption of unhealthy foods and the lack of physical activity in America have increased drastically since the 1970s, creating health related issues or in the worst case, causing death. As the years go by, Americans have become more dependant on their cars, therefore less people walk to the places they need to go. Also, kids would come home everyday and find a freshly cooked meal, whereas now students go to the nearest fast food restaurant and purchase processed food. This eventually caused a huge increase in business for restaurants, and because of the demand, companies created larger sizes for drinks and meals furthering the effects of this epidemic. It does not help to fix the problem when these foods are made so quickly and cost very
…show more content…
When one goes into a grocery store, they can probably find a family size bag of chips for two dollars while a box of strawberries costs six dollars. It is these outrageous prices that make one choose the unhealthy option. However, the author of Bad Food? Tax It, and Subsidize Vegetables, Mark Bittman promotes the idea that, "... we should turn the tables and tax things like soda, French fries, doughnuts and hyperprocessed snacks” (4). The amount of taxes placed on fruits and vegetables do not encourage one to purchase these foods. Most people are looking for something cheap and fast, or in other words Fast Food restaurants. If the government begins to place more taxes on sugary beverages and greasy burgers, then Americans would probably choose a healthier route. Bittman later strengthens his argument when he writes, “...taxes would… generate billions of dollars annually. That money could be used to subsidize the purchase of staple foods” (7). The government continues to complain about not having enough money to make these foods cheaper, but if we actually change the current taxes and “subsidize vegetables”, then the government will still make the same amount of money, just from different …show more content…
The government should make relaying the detrimental effects of unhealthy lifestyles to society, its top priority. In the online article, Lifestyle and Related Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases, author’s Krisela Steyn and Albertino Damasceno discuss how unhealthy habits can lead to non communicable diseases (Steyn and Damasceno). One may not know to the full extent, how these actions can affect them in the long run, however it is crucial to his/her health that they do. Individuals may believe that the consumption of fat filled foods and the failure to exercise can only cause them to gain weight, and may not recognize the health related risk factors that such foods can bring. Schools can start by teaching the importance of healthy lifestyles to children at an early age. Also, to make this even more effective, parents should be required to come to a monthly meeting where they are given a more thorough presentation on the issue. Although some parents will be reluctant, if they truly care about their child’s well being, attendance will not be an issue. Once parents understand the consequences of this epidemic, they will want to train children sooner so that it can be implemented in their
When one goes into a grocery store, they can probably find a family size bag of chips for two dollars while a box of strawberries costs six dollars. It is these outrageous prices that make one choose the unhealthy option. However, the author of Bad Food? Tax It, and Subsidize Vegetables, Mark Bittman promotes the idea that, "... we should turn the tables and tax things like soda, French fries, doughnuts and hyperprocessed snacks” (4). The amount of taxes placed on fruits and vegetables do not encourage one to purchase these foods. Most people are looking for something cheap and fast, or in other words Fast Food restaurants. If the government begins to place more taxes on sugary beverages and greasy burgers, then Americans would probably choose a healthier route. Bittman later strengthens his argument when he writes, “...taxes would… generate billions of dollars annually. That money could be used to subsidize the purchase of staple foods” (7). The government continues to complain about not having enough money to make these foods cheaper, but if we actually change the current taxes and “subsidize vegetables”, then the government will still make the same amount of money, just from different …show more content…
The government should make relaying the detrimental effects of unhealthy lifestyles to society, its top priority. In the online article, Lifestyle and Related Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases, author’s Krisela Steyn and Albertino Damasceno discuss how unhealthy habits can lead to non communicable diseases (Steyn and Damasceno). One may not know to the full extent, how these actions can affect them in the long run, however it is crucial to his/her health that they do. Individuals may believe that the consumption of fat filled foods and the failure to exercise can only cause them to gain weight, and may not recognize the health related risk factors that such foods can bring. Schools can start by teaching the importance of healthy lifestyles to children at an early age. Also, to make this even more effective, parents should be required to come to a monthly meeting where they are given a more thorough presentation on the issue. Although some parents will be reluctant, if they truly care about their child’s well being, attendance will not be an issue. Once parents understand the consequences of this epidemic, they will want to train children sooner so that it can be implemented in their