Taxation Means Less Carbonation...Maybe

            Obesity in America has been on the rise for decades, and in attempt to curb this problem Philadelphia instituted a soda tax. In theory, raising the price of soda would curb consumption which would impact weight gain. Signe Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, published her satirical response to the "job losses" created by the implementation of the tax. It appears that Wilkerson's intent is to demonstrate that the unpopular tax is having a negative impact on local health care providers and gyms while benefiting residents.

             According to www.pennmedicine.org on July 8, 2020, the volume of taxed beverages sold at small independent stores dropped by 38.9 percent. At a glance the statistic looks encouraging. However, the demographic measured is limited to a specific niche of retailers and doesn't include supermarkets, convenience stores or even fast food restaurants. In addition, as a former resident of Philadelphia, I can attest that citizens have an easy way to bypass the tax. "Over the river and through the woods" isn't Grandmother's house but New Jersey. For years, Philadelphians have trekked across the bridge to buy cheaper gas and liquor. Now they can add soda to their shopping lists.

            So, has the soda tax caused a drop in cavities? According to www.mayoclinic.org sugary drinks (not just sodas) can contribute to tooth decay. However, bacteria in the mouth, poor dental hygiene (brushing your teeth) and snacks do too. As noted, sodas aren't the only heavily sugared drinks. Not singled out for taxation are: fruit juices, energy drinks, teas and the high sugar content tea/coffee concoctions available at your local coffee shop, notably the one with the weird looking being in their dark green logo. Perhaps patrons at diners and restaurants who enjoy a little tea or coffee with their sugar should also pay a tax. Since soda isn't the only culprit responsible for tooth decay, taxing it to discourage purchases has not substantially reduced the number of cavities for Philadelphians.

            And, while people may be drinking less soda, the National Center for Biotechnological Information website provides a list of other items that can contribute to cavities: grain based and dairy desserts, candy, ready-to-eat cereals, honey, yeast bread, syrups and toppings. Taxing soda possibly caused some decrease in cavities but where's the evidence that it has emptied dentists' waiting rooms?

            Wilkerson's cartoon alleges that doctors lost diabetic patients, but is this factual? Again, according to the Mayo Clinic, sugar intake does not cause diabetes. The disease is due to either a lack of or faulty production of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin properly. Sugar consumption can be problematic health-wise, but it will not make one a diabetic. On the other hand, that hot dog and other goodies made with red and processed meats are linked to Type 2 diabetes due to high levels of sodium and nitrites. The CDC has determined that diabetes rates are on the rise but the contributing factors are demographic composition, population growth and increasing prevalence rates...not sodas.

            Finally, according to Wilkerson, gyms are empty because all the "fat folks" are gone. Really? Wellness Creative Company posts national rates for gym membership information on their website. While it is not Philadelphia specific, statistics show that between 2018 and 2019 gym memberships rose 2.7 percent. Philadelphia Magazine has been the city's staple for decades. Their website phillymag.org says this about Philadelphians' work out routines. "Philadelphia isn't Los Angeles, where working out seems to be mandatory. It's not New York, where folks who aren't trainers choose to do regular two-a- days. Instead, we think it's the Goldilocks of the fitness world - where every type of gym is abundant [emphasis mine\ but you get to choose your own style and pace." The site doesn't name every facility in the city, but it does provide listings and links based on specialty. Obviously, gyms in Philly aren't empty.

            Are all the "fat folks" gone? Perhaps, or some my be like my workout buddy Mary. Six years ago she was 40 pounds overweight and her diabetes was out of control. Through a consistent exercise regime and lifestyle changes that she still maintains, Mary has kept those pounds off and takes no medicine to control her diabetes. And, not everyone at the gym is there to lose weight. My gym has a wide mix of members. High school and college students work out when school is out. Mike who is wheelchair bound works his upper body to help prevent his shoulder joints from wearing out prematurely due to the repetitive motions of navigating with a manual chair. Terrell, a firefighter, often works out wearing his gear which weight about one hundred and fifty pounds. His job requires him to lift heavy equipment and even rescue people while fully dressed. Staying in shape also helps him avoid injuries to himself while working. I work out for flexibility, muscle tone and strength and increased cardiovascular stamina. So did the soda tax clear out the gyms? Not according to statistics. 

            Wilkerson's cartoon, although well done and clever, delivers misinformation about the impact of the soda tax on the health of Philadelphians and gyms. Obesity in America is up, but presenting the claim that the soda tax has made a dramatic impact is false.  Mary Agrusa

            A political cartoon uses irony, symbolism, and exaggeration to make a political point and is oftentimes based on current events. Signe Wilkerson's political cartoon in response to the soda tax brings out the larger issues with American's health and diet. The political cartoon is biased to imply that the worst that could happen with the soda tax is less cavities, diabetes, and gym memberships. It is misleading because it over simplifies the physical and mental health issues that are present in America. It punishes people for purchasing soda. In this case, a complicated issue requires a well thought out solution. Becoming health conscious or healthy is something that requires education, support, and mental/emotional support.

            First, teaching individuals about their health provides better results to health related issues such as diabetes and cavities. When people know better, they do better. From the start, it is imperative that schools educate children about health. Some may recall the "food pyramid" and the later adapted "food plate" that encouraged young children to think about what they were eating. While education in school is important, what is practiced at home is more important. Students may eat balanced meals at school, but eating habits at home are different and therefore do not lead to a long lasting lifestyle change.

            Further, as people grow, it is important that healthy and trusting relationships are formed with doctors and healthcare workers. As people mature and age, new health issues may arise and by normalizing checkups from the doctor, people are comfortable with discussing their health. Conversations about health with trusted healthcare workers would destigmatize health related issues and would encourage people to make health conscious decisions.

            Also, Signe Wilkerson's cartoon and soda tax put the responsibility on the consumer to make healthy and financially positive decisions. Major corporation are a large contributing factor. The cartoon or tax do not acknowledge the fact that foods like soda are high in sugar and release dopamine, a pleasure stimulator, in the brain. This release is what causes soda to be addictive and leads people back to the refrigerator. Americans are addicted to sugar due to the nature of habit and to cope with the depressors in life. Simply raising the tax will not curb this addiction and it is not something that can be easily resolved. In the meantime, major soda brands will continue profiting.

            In short, the cartoon describes unrealistic and inaccurate results. The cartoon adds to the misinformation about health and "good" health. An enacted tax will ultimately prove that the well-being and health of Americans are not taken seriously. The cartoon adds insult to the poorly thought-out tax proposal. Instead of state officials focusing on taxing people for drinking soda, they should consider how they can give back to the American people and their health. Focusing on Americans' health, education, communities and mental well-being is a better way to address the issue.  Peaches Andrews.