Last year, the British Medical Journal found that Santa Claus is more commonly recognized by American children than the President or the Pope… or even the baby Jesus. In fact, the journal noted that among American youngsters, “Santa Claus was the only fictional character more highly recognized than Ronald McDonald.” But, public health practitioners question whether the jolly fellow is truly a good role model. In the past, the traditional overweight Santa has been used to sell multiple unhealthy products such as cola and candy as well as cigarettes. While the latter has been banned from use in advertising today, the concept of Santa marketing high-fat, high-sugar foods still exists.
Countries that revere Santa Claus as a holiday icon have higher levels of childhood obesity, according to numerous international Santa Claus studies. Because of his round belly and obvious overweight physical condition, Santa Claus has taught our children (albeit, subtly) that obesity is associated with good cheer and happiness. While that may seem like a ludicrous suggestion, let’s look at a few of our traditions in connection with health habits. First, we are asked to leave Santa a plate of cookies and a glass of brandy for him to enjoy during his visit to our home. However, his waistline really can’t afford the sugar and fat in the cookies let alone the alcohol that he will drink before driving off your roof in his sleigh. So, not only are we encouraging high-fat, high-sugar foods, we’re also endorsing drinking and driving – even if it is only a subtle endorsement. The carrots and milk we leave for the reindeer would be a much better snack choice for Santa himself.
Second, the Santa “helpers” found at the thousands of malls and department stores across the nation are not necessarily the best “helpers.” According to studies of these Santa Clauses, most countries, including the United States, do not require medical or health check-ups for immunizations or other medical conditions for these mall/store employees. Thus, a Santa could potentially carry the H1N1 virus, Tuberculosis, or other infectious disease that could become an unwelcomed gift given freely to your child as he or she sits on Santa’s lap.
Because Santa Claus is not likely to be removed from the public realm anytime soon, parents can protect their health as well as the health of their children with a few simple precautions. If you visit an unknown Santa’s helper at a mall or department store, one of the first methods to protect against infectious diseases is to make sure you and your child’s immunizations are up to date. Next, washing your hands and using hand sanitizers (when washing is not readily available) is also an option after sitting on Santa’s lap. Most of all, keep unwashed hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth to protect against transferring any infectious diseases.
Next, tackle the cookies and alcohol issue by replacing Santa’s snack with a healthy alternative – you may actually create a new and improved holiday tradition at your house. While you need not leave a salad and glass of ice water (although that may be the optimal snack for Santa), you could leave reduced fat crackers and low-fat peanut butter with a glass of juice to teach your child about healthy snack choices. Better yet, you might even consider having your child leave a non-food gift for Santa such as a homemade thank you card or special picture painted on holiday paper. Not only will this remove unhealthy eating habits from the concept of cheer and happiness, it will provide an activity for you and your child that could turn into a unique annual holiday tradition.
While Santa Claus’ overall presence at this time of year does involve the spreading of good cheer to all, it’s important to remove his connections to unhealthy habits or unwanted diseases. Teach your child to focus on Santa’s message of giving instead of the food products and other unhealthy behaviors associated with this holiday icon.
Reference:
Grills, N. & Halyday, B. (2009). Santa Claus: A public health pariah? British Medical Journal, 339, 1424-1426.
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