BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carney Hospital announced today that it will ban the sale and provision of sugar sweetened beverage throughout its campus as a demonstration of the hospital’s commitment to improving community health and stemming the increasing rates of obesity. Carney’s announcement comes on the heels of Boston Mayor Tom Menino’s executive order concerning sugary beverages.
Sugar sweetened beverages are defined as those beverages with added caloric sweeteners such as sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, examples include non-diet sodas and sports/energy drinks. Habitual consumption of sugar sweetened beverages directly contributes to weight gain and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
“As a healthcare provider, employer and neighbor in this community, we have a responsibility to lead the way on this issue and raise awareness about the very real health consequences of a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle,” said Bill Walczak, president of Carney Hospital. “Every day our patients trust us to give them the best care and advice and we view this decision as a practical demonstration of our commitment to the health of our patients and community.”
St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, also a part of Steward Health Care, announced this week that healthy food options served in the hospital’s cafeteria would be less expensive than food options that are high in fat and calories.
About Steward Health Care
Steward Health Care is a community-based accountable care organization and community hospital network. Headquartered in Boston, Steward has more than 13,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne’s in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Physician Network, Caritas Hospice and Home Care, Laboure College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.