Whanganui District Health Board member Ray Stevens has taken some flak for suggesting that he and his colleagues consider removing sugary drinks from the hospital cafe.
It seems some bottled up vitriol has been uncorked and sprayed over Mr Stevens, and adverse comments on social media have been unnecessarily personal- some even in the realm of that topical demon, cyber-bullying.
Fortunately, he has broad shoulders and, while he may not be the sylph-like self of his youth, I am sure he is robust enough to brush off the criticism and personal slights and focus on what the board can do to promote healthier outcomes for our community. Those who take umbrage at the idea of being denied fizzy pop at the hospital cafeteria should be asking: Why hasn't it already happened?
Much of the Western world, including New Zealand, is being overwhelmed by a tsunami of fatness to the growing cost of us all (excepting the purveyors of fast foods and soft drinks), so it's a no-brainer that our hospital should be offering healthy stuff.
It has already banned smoking on its campus on health grounds, so why not fattening foods?
Interestingly, there are signs this week that the United States may be turning a corner with reports of a decline in obesity among children. And - would you know it - it's been suggested a decrease in sugary drink consumption may be behind this good news.
Those who note that Mr Stevens' service station business sells these drinks and shout "hypocrite" really are missing the point. His responsibilities as a businessman and as a health board member are separate.
He has rightly raised the issue and the Whanganui DHB now has the opportunity to take a small step toward better health in the community.
