Pubdate: Wed, 09 Nov 2005
Source: Collegiate Times (VA Tech, Edu)
Contact:  http://www.collegiatetimes.com/
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Copyright: 2005 Collegiate Times
Author: Kirk Muse

POOR DIETING CAUSES MORE DEATHS THAN DRUGS

Kirk Muse, Mesa, Arizona

I'm writing about "Adults have right to pick what goes in their 
bodies" (CT, Nov. 8).

According to www.drugwarfacts.org/causes.htm each year there are 
17,000 deaths from all illegal drug use combined, direct and indirect.

No doubt the 17,000 illegal drug deaths are tragic, but this pales in 
comparison to the 365,000 deaths from poor diets or physical inactivity.

Speaking of poor diets, notice that we have no illegal foods, even 
though many foods are very unhealthy -- especially if consumed in 
large portions over several years.

Perhaps we should criminalize a long list of potentially unhealthy 
foods -- for our own good, of course. Think of all the government 
jobs and careers this would create.

No doubt unhealthy food prohibition would be just as successful as 
our alcohol and drug prohibition policies.  
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman