We will never live in a world without commercials. It would be nice, but commercials pay for the programming we watch and listen to on the radio. Companies that use this form of advertising for their product or service are hoping to attract more business. Regulations are in place to ensure that what is advertised is safe; however, there are no regulations in place to ensure that the product is not unhealthy. We must decide that for ourselves.

Recently, I heard a radio ad for life insurance asking if I enjoyed eating wings, mashed potatoes and gravy. If I was then this life insurance was for me. I could get the coverage I wanted for my family, yet still enjoy the lifestyle I wanted. As an added bonus I could also receive the company’s recipe for fried chicken! I kept waiting for the punch line, thinking it was obviously a joke, but none came. Here is a company leveraging American’s unhealthy lifestyle and increasing obesity rates to benefit their bottom-line. Is it safe? Yes. Is this product in our best interest? No.

We must be smarter than the companies that are advertising to us. Making assumptions that simply because the product or service is advertised it is in our best interest. This situation has contributed to the health crisis we face today from obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, most of us chose the path of least resistance, allowing companies to make millions on unhealthy choices and the consequences that follow. Perhaps it’s time to hold ourselves accountable and change this trend.

Think about the various commercials and advertisements you see and hear each day. What comes to mind? Cars, pharmaceuticals, weight loss products, chain restaurants, colas. Only those companies with the highest revenue can afford to invest in this form of marketing. Does this mean these products are safe? Not necessarily. Does this mean these products are in our best interest? Not necessarily. Advertising does not equal best or ideal. It only means the company had enough money to invest, whether or not the product is good.

Think about all the healthy things that are not advertised from organic produce, water, cage-free eggs, toxin-free cleaning products, and even chiropractic care. Should the benefits be discounted due to lack of high profile advertising? Should we let ourselves be swayed by what we see on television and hear on the radio? At what point do we assume responsibility for ourselves and our health?