Where's the City?

Below are a couple of recent news items about innovative health measures from other major cities. Can anyone name a major health initiative advanced by City Hall? Gun measures are a priority. The Olympics are a priority. The CTA is a priority. Good things are happening all around the city. However, prevention-focused public health measures, are generally met with sneers or yawns. Why?

Trans fats banned in Boston

The Boston Public Health Commission has approved a measure to ban artificial trans fat in food served at restaurants, cafeterias, sandwich shops, coffee shops, nursing homes and vending machines, or by mobile food vendors.
The ban takes effect in two phases: starting Sept. 13, businesses that serve food must stop using oils, shortenings and spreads that contain trans fats. Six months later, the ban will apply to baked goods and other goods. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
"This is a significant step forward in making Boston one of the healthiest cities in America," Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said in a news release.


Legislation promotes healthy eating in New York City

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has signed legislation that will increase the supply of healthy fruits and vegetables to low-income neighborhoods. The “green carts” measure allows for an additional 1,000 permits to be issued for street vendor carts, provided that they only offer approved fresh fruits and vegetables. "When fully implemented, our best estimate is that this initiative will result in at least 75,000 New Yorkers eating more fruits and vegetables, which could save at least 50 lives a year in the long term," Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement.

Just saying....