Harvard University's Dr. Walter Willet, an expert on nutrition, says drinking soft drinks makes the consumer more likely to develop cavities, diabetes, gout, heart attacks, and obesity. Doesn't sound like much fun. Nevertheless, in a move that is prompting public outcry and causing many doctors to drop association with the American Academy of Family Physicians, the academy recently announced it is turning to the Coca-Cola Company to bring medical advice to a website near you.
Dr. Douglas Henley announced today that the six-figure partnership, dollar details undisclosed, means Coke will provide the academy's website with "educational" data focused on issues of consumer health and the promotion of wellness. The soft-drink giant is said to be providing educational data on the health benefits of sugar-free sodas and the link between obesity and sugar-laden beverages.
Skeptics are numerous. Some even liken the alliance to that of doctors in the recent past who claimed mild cigarette smoking is a safe practice. Since the the alliance was first announced last month, more than 20 doctors from just one medical practice near San Francisco have dropped their memberships with the academy, in spite of the soft drink company's assurance that nothing but "sound science" will be posted to the academy's website. Coca-Cola's presence on that website should begin in January.
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