Saturday morning drug ads

If you think the marketing of drugs isn’t everywhere these days, just take a look at this e-mail from an HSI member named Edward.

“Help !!! This past weekend I happened to see a cartoon on T.V. 9:30 Sat. morning. The ‘superhero’ was yellow and red with a head that looked like a capsule (half red, half yellow). The bad guy was a germ. The stage was the human body. You guessed it, the ‘good guy’ was a cold pill. This was not only subliminal, they actually say he’s a cold pill. The show’s name is ‘Drixie and Ollie’ I believe.

“After I brought my heart back within normal range. I started thinking how do I put an end to this blatant drug commercial for young children. I have already contacted a couple of groups that I thought my help – not much yet. I have considered a letter writing campaign to the sponsors. Any help or advice would be welcomed. At the very least, you may put it in your newsletter so people can protect their own loved ones.”

Yep – it’s gotten that bad. You may recall I recently told you about a British children’s book featuring a character named Mr. Sneeze. The book concludes with two pages of advertising for GlaxoSmithKline allergy products.

I think Edward has the right idea. When you see advertising that seems inappropriate, or even something that’s simply strongly suggested as in the cartoon that Edward saw, speak up and let the powers that be know that you don’t approve. And if anyone knows more about the “Drixie and Ollie” show or its producers, please post information on the forum to make other members aware.

And now, if you’ll allow me my own shameless plug

This weekend, the Baltimore Ravens travel to Arizona to face their former quarterback, Jeff Blake, and his new team the Arizona Cardinals. All I can say is that I hope Ray Lewis chases Blake down the same way a cold pill chases a germ, so we can all breathe easy in Baltimore.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute