Nutrition Facts at Dairy QueenWe chose to put our “This is Public Health” sticker on a surprisingly large and extensive Nutritional Facts board in a Dairy Queen on Fletcher Ave., here in Temple Terrace (Tampa). Originally, we planned to place the sticker in the bathroom, near the “Please wash your hands sign”, above the sink; however, it was hard to pass up the framed Nutritional Facts poster. Granted, you can’t miss it in this place! We thought it was rare that a less healthy fast food restaurant such as Dairy Queen, would proudly display the nutritional value of their food on the wall. Specifically, at eye-level to the direct left of where a customer would stand to place their order.
Nutrition is an important factor in public heath, especially when the rate of obesity in the United States is at an all-time high and continues to rise. Obesity can lead to major health problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which can eventually lead to other chronic and fatal conditions. This should raise eyebrows, and be considered a major cause for concern, as heart disease and stroke are listed among the top three causes of death in this country.
At Dairy Queen in Temple Terrace, the owners have taken a step in the right direction. By informing consumers of the total fat, sugar, and food calories they are taking into their bodies, this ice cream parlor in Florida wins our vote for ‘assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy’ through education. On a side note, you might notice the hand sanitizer dispenser adjacent to the Nutritional Facts in the pic. This is also very highly regarded in public health, so we thought we’d point it out in case you missed it. Your hands are two of the dirtiest places on your body at any given time, and your fingers are the "top ten carriers” of colds and flu. It is especially important for restaurant employees to keep their clean hands at work, since they are constantly handling YOUR food! Thanks Dairy Queen J THIS is Public Health.
Sincerely Yours,Brittney, Taylor, Ashanti, and Samantha <3
I love the fact that Dairy Queen has posted the nutritional facts for the public. The obvious benefit would be to keep track of calories and/or fat grams to watch your weight. However, there are others that may be interested in the facts. Two other examples would be diabetics wanting to watch their sugar intake and people with high blood pressure wanting to watch their sodium intake. Bravo Dairy Queen for helping those with all types of dietary restrictions/considerations to stay on track !!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I would like to say I thought you chose a very good spot for your public health sticker. I wish more fast-food restaurants would take steps like this to educate their consumers. Personally I don't feel fast-food is "evil", because in moderation it is perfectly fine. The problem is fast food products have high caloric values, lack vitamins and have a lot of refined sugars. Not a lot of people educate themselves on nutrition and some people plain out don't care what they put in their bodies. With charts like these at least people can make some more educated decisions regarding their health.
ReplyDeleteIt is rare that you find a fast food restaurant with nutritional facts posted for everyone to see. I think a lot of people would be more conscious of what they choose to eat when they have the fat, calories, and sodium content at their fingertips. Before I looked up fast food nutrition online, I thought ordering a salad would be healthier for me. However, it turns out that many fast food salads contain just as many calories and sodium as a hamburger and fries. So, I am sure there are many others out there like me that would definitely benefit from a public health improvement like this.
ReplyDeleteI really like that your group picked this location. Not very many fast food places have the nuutritional facts hanging up. The only other time I saw this was at Burger King not to long ago. I think all fast food places should have the nutrition facts up, because just like stated above some might think a salad is healthier for them. Even if someone is trying to watch their weight or intake of a certain amount calories, sodium level ect. they would be able to look it up on the wall in the resturant. The economy is bad and healthier food is usually more expensive and since fast food is generally cheaper the buyer has a better chance of knowing how healthy it is or is not.
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