This was posted on OTRU-NET as part of SARC-NEWS service. Thought some of
you would find this of interest.


ARTICLE EXPLORES POSSIBILITY OF ANTI-HEALTH TREND

     An article in the WASHINGTON POST examines the current trend against
health recommendations to stop smoking, drink less alcohol and reduce
dietary fat.  Apart from the recent increase in cigar use, surveys show an
increase in consumption of hard liquor and high-fat foods among the general
population since about 1995.  Some observers believe the trend signals a
backlash against the move towards more healthy living.  Others disagree,
saying liquor and cigar marketers are playing up the trend as a ploy to
boost sagging sales.

     Applied health science professor Ruth Engs of Indiana
University believes American attitudes toward health follow cyclical paths.
Engs notes that the third major health movement in the nation's history
started with the surgeon general's report against smoking, with the tobacco
control movement gathering momentum over the 70s and 80s.  Engs believes
that behaviors such as smoking cigars is a reaction against that trend,
saying, "Pipes will come back after cigars - moderate smoking and
drinking," and that this indicates "we are aiming for a balance" in
personal health behaviors.

Source:  Randi Hutter Epstein, "Is There A Backlash Against
Healthy Living?" WASHINGTON POST, Health Section, p. 12.
(sdb 1/7/97)