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.