Category Archives: Public Health

Pandemics are not new. Have we learned anything from 1918-1919 Influenza?

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Ted

There are similarities in the public responses to the “Spanish Flu” of 1918-1919 and the 2020 Covid-19 viral pandemics. Our understanding of the cause and biology of both illnesses are now better understood than in 1918. Nonetheless, treatment of both illnesses has been hampered by sub optimal public responses to both. Continue reading →

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Cook County’s Sweetened Beverage Tax of November 2016 – It’s A Matter of Choice!

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Ted

The Cook County of Illinois Board enacted a Sweetened Beverage Tax. The purpose of the tax was twofold. Every tax is is intended to increase revenue. This is no exception. However, the tax is a “choice tax”, that people can choose not to pay, by not buying drinks with added sweeteners. If people don’t add sugar to their diet, every expectation is that obesity and its complications will become less prominent. This will be associated with reduced health care costs. Continue reading →

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