Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Diabetes Prevention: Government Should Restrict Choices of Food

Approximately 5% of the US population has diabetes. Of the diagnosed diabetics ,95% have Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 is almost always preventable and treatable with simple lifestyle adjustments of eating wholesome foods and exercising regularly. There are app. 45 million food stamp recipients in America. As many as 20% of Type 2 diabetics receive welfare assistance including food stamps. As many as 40% of welfare recipients are obese which can lead to diabetes. The cost of diabetes and related illnesses imperils the US health system. For the purpose of sustainable and effective healthcare of diabetics, food stamps should be redeemable only for fresh or frozen vegetables or meats. No junk foods , alcohol or tobacco sould be redeemed for food stamps. Welfare recipients should get exactly that. There should not be a choice allowed for unhealthy products.

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