County health plans walk a fine line

Posted on Nov 29, 2009 by Jennifer Hemmingsen.

Congress decided earlier this year that public health programs should get a share of economic stimulus. Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested to helping state and local health agencies shore up prevention efforts and education programs, hopefully saving or creating jobs in the process.

Now, Linn County Public Health is teaming with the state Department of Public Heallth in hopes of getting a $16 million slice of that stimulus money.

Although we question whether expanding government is the proper use of funds intended to stimulate the economy, we can understand why local officials would seek available funding. Linn County Public Health Director Curtis Dickson has big plans for making his agency more aggressive and effective. His enthusiasm is welcome.

But at the same time, we’re concerned how this money might be spent. The Gazette reported earlier this month that Linn County could consider several initiatives aimed at pushing residents toward healthier lifestyles.

A ban on trans fat in restaurant food, a requirement that local restaurants include calorie counts on menus, a prohibition of tobacco sales at pharmacies and a ban on displaying candy at grocery store check out aisles are among actions being considered. Stimulus money would help implement and enforce such efforts.

Although we recognize the health impacts of obesity and tobacco use, we think these measures go too far.

It’s one thing to have a public health department that aggressively educates citizens on the dangers of poor nutrition. But nannies in the candy aisle is too much.

Too often, health advocates seeking to change personal behaviors take aim at businesses. We take issue with the idea that the best way to make people healthier is to heap new rules, regulations and requirements in the shops and restaurants they frequent. It’s tough enough to make a store or restaurant profitable in this economy. The last thing owners need is more government meddling. And it’s the mom-and-pop, locally owned businesses that suffer most.

There are countless ways public health officials can promote healthy lifestyles without bans and restrictions.

In Los Angeles County, Calif., this month, officials voted to seek prevention stimulus funds for an anti-obesity, anti-smoking media campaign, expansion of trails, promotion of breast feeding and smoking-cessation incentives for public employees. But the county declined to accept the idea of banning soda pop at public facilities.

We understand that Linn County has not formally endorsed any of the restrictions mentioned above. And we commend them for emphasizing prevention, which could be key to controlling rising health-care costs. We just hope the county wields a healthy carrot instead of a stick.