Nancy Brown, the CEO of the American Heart Association (AHA), recently released a statement about the new sugary drink tax that Philadelphia has implemented in the local area.
According to the AHA, this new tax is not just an improvement for citizens in Philadelphia but for communities throughout the U.S.
“Today, Philadelphia is blazing a trail for other cities and states to follow to prioritize heart-healthy habits over beverage industry profits,” Brown said. “With this historic move, all Philadelphians will benefit from expanded pre-K and improved parks and recreation centers.”
The AHA sees this tax as one step of many that will help improve the overall health of the U.S. There are many health benefits to drinking fewer sugary beverages, which will boost the country's health and economy.
“The American Heart Association is firmly committed to support elected officials across the country when they stand up to beverage industry tactics to market sugar-loaded drinks to children and minority communities,” Brown said. “As governors and mayors struggle with budgets and the high costs of chronic diseases, we urge them to consider taxes on sugary drinks as an effective strategy to fund much-needed health programs throughout their communities. Sugary drinks are an unnecessary part of the American diet. Decades ago, these beverages were considered a treat and are now guzzled at alarming rates. From sports drinks to sodas to many fruit-flavored drinks, children are drinking their age in servings of these sugary drinks each week. Evidence shows adults should not consume more than about 36 ounces, or 450 calories of sugary drinks each week. Yet, the average eight-year-old boy consumes eight servings, or 64 ounces of sugary drinks each week. Reducing consumption will improve rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.”
Brown congratulated Philadelphia on taking a leadership role in national health.
“The American Heart Association is proud to stand side by side with the people of Philadelphia as they become the first city in our nation to pass a tax on sugary drinks by vote of a city council,” she said. “As the fifth-largest city in the nation, Philadelphia’s exemplary public health leadership provides an inspiring example for other cities from coast to coast.”
