Fight for health’s sake As a two-time cancer survivor and mother
of two children, I am shocked and concerned by the increasing
number of Vermonters who are being told they have cancer. What
is even more shocking is the fact that so many types of cancer
can be prevented. Nearly 4,000 Vermonters are diagnosed with
cancer each year. Obesity is responsible for a third of all
cancer deaths, second only to tobacco. Over 58 percent of
Vermont adults and nearly 27 percent of our kids are overweight
or obese. The science is clear. Obesity, physical inactivity,
and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, including
colon, esophageal, kidney, endometrial and postmenopausal breast
cancer. Sugary beverages, like soda, energy and sport drinks are
major drivers of the obesity epidemic, especially among
children. Leaders within the Legislature who care about the
health of Vermont kids have proposed a one penny per once excise
tax on these beverages. This tax is projected to reduce
consumption of sodas and other suga