DOCTORS CALL FOR CHANGE IN ADVERTISING

DOCTORS CALL FOR CHANGE IN ADVERTISING

DOCTORS CALL FOR CHANGE IN ADVERTISING 150 150 Lauren Ellerman

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/04/AR2006120400029.html
A group of pediatricians have called for a change in advertising to kids. Their motivation – all the fast food, tobacco, beer ads (etc.) are harming children and shaping the way they act, choices they make. Well good job doctors – I agree. Although I am all for the free market, I do not think that children, who cannot always make decisions to protect their health and welfare, should be the targets of pointed advertising. The article also mentions a call to end all erectile dysfunction ads before 10pm. Well – I would go one step further. END ALL PHARMACEUTICAL ADS. If physicians are supposed to be the ones with knowledge and insight about medications, treatment etc- then don’t advertise directly to the public. One hour of television, and a teenage girl can learn (from the commercials only) – that there are medications she can take to correct bone loss later in life – that a few pills will prevent pregnancy, and that now she can eat at McDonalds because they have a healthy menu. Not to alleviate this young woman’s responsibility to care for herself – but wouldn’t it be better for society – if the girl learned to eat right, take care of her bones and body now – and then later, speak to her physician about personal choices for healthcare?

Just a thought.

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About the author

Lauren Ellerman

In 2011, Lauren Ellerman was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Roanoke Bar Association for her work in the community. To speak with Lauren about your personal injury case, contact her at lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.

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