pressure cooker

A five year study by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs and reported to the American Heart Association found a seasonal effect on blood pressure. The most likely hypothesis is that an active "summer" lifestyle is key. There is also a correlation with weight gain as it is known that people tend to gain weight in winter and lose it in summer. 

Other researchers think the hypertension link may be with salt intake. More salt means more water -and would mean more weight- and for many people higher fluid volume means higher pressure. It is unclear why people would eat more salty food in winter but salt losses due to sweat are much higher in summer. And the more active you are the more you sweat.

Hypertension is estimated at over 50 million cases in the US, about a third of which are undiagnosed. That is one out five to six people. While that may seem high, the number pales in comparison with the number of overweight people. 60% of adults in the US are overweight according to the CDC, and up to a quarter are obese. These data are a few years old and given the strong up trend, todays numbers may be even higher.

Being overweight is strongly linked to diabetes and the number of new diabetes cases has tripled since 1980. The incidence is now 1.44 million per year for a total of nearly 16 million cases. In 1980 the incidence was below 500,000 and the total at 5.6 million.

All of these diseases are strongly linked to life-style. The NIH further estimates that up a third of cancer cases are linked to life-style as well. And life-style means driving around all the time and sitting on the couch watching TV while munching on chips and drinking soda. And while you are watching those shows all your life-style choices are constantly reinforced by a barrage of advertising. Much of that advertising is done by car companies.

A recent study found that teens are less likely to drink if it is explained to them that companies are trying to manipulate them into drinking by suggestive advertising. Some schools are now teaching programs deconstructing ads that appear clearly aimed at teens. Whether that is true or not, the key lesson here is that people do not like to be manipulated.  Unless they are unaware of it of course.

Alcohol ads feature iPods, Play Stations, jewelry, hip clothing and other items teens can identify with. If you agree with this premise, and most parents apparently do, take a look at car ads. Take a look at the imagery used to sell oversized cars and ask yourself if you are being manipulated. Compare the rugged outdoor feel of an SUV ad with the famous Marlboro man ad. Both are trying to sell you items that you don't need and that are bad for your health.

Don't fault your teen for giving in to peer pressure, or think about suing alcohol companies for attempting to manipulate their minds. Look in your driveway before you cast the first stone.