Health Care

State Senator Dean Florez urges President, Governor to Focus on Sugar Threat

Childhood risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity soaring with soda overconsumption

SACRAMENTO — Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter), who last week introduced legislation aimed at curbing the rampant overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, is calling on our Governor and an esteemed former President to confront the issue head-on tomorrow at the 2010 Summit on Health, Nutrition and Obesity.

President Bill Clinton and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are scheduled to join together tomorrow for a conference at The California Endowment in Los Angeles to promote “Action for Healthy Living.”

Florez is urging them to use the occasion to raise public awareness of the role the overconsumption of sugar plays in exacerbating America’s obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Florez introduced Senate Bill 1210 on Friday, with the number representing the fact that just one 12-ounce can of soda contains ten TEASPOONS of sugar.  Health experts consider 5-7 teaspoons a healthy amount of sugar for an adult to consume in an entire day, yet 62% of adolescents consume at least one soda every day of their young lives, leading to startling rates on Type 2 diabetes in youth.

“I don’t think the average American understands the damage just one soda a day does to a young body, and the degree to which the threat of diabetes increases with each sugary sip.  These two men have the national profile and perfect platform to share information that could save children’s lives,”

Florez said.

“Given the Governor and President’s position on children’s health and physical education, and their partnership in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, it seems a natural that they would take the opportunity to impress upon kids how critical it is to make this positive change toward healthier lives now.”

Comment: As a diabetic who knows first hand the damage diabetes can cause, well beyond the social stigma and impact on life events, for example: obtaining a job or earning a promotion, this proposed legislation addresses a major health crisis at the core. I am most pleased to see this bill! I know if it passes and becomes law, the damage to your health, or that of your children will be reduced and/or avoided.  Our YOUTH will not be “earning” diabetes before they earn a HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE. Thank You Senator!