Deadly Duo; Tobacco and Convenience Foods: The Other Substance Abuse Epidemics Afflicting the First Nations and Inuit of Canada. . - book review

by Richard Thatcher, Ph.D

published by The National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation Inc.

Box 183, Muskoday, SK S0J 3H0

Deadly Duo takes an in-depth look at the historical, social and medical factors associated with consumption of convenience foods and the non-traditional use of tobacco among aboriginal people. The book takes a look at the historical process in which tobacco use and the nutritious, varied diet of aboriginal peoples shifted away from "sacred" traditional ways, and parallels the shift with the concerted marketing campaigns waged by cunning advertising professionals working for large corporations, which place profit before nutrition or food security needs.

Dr. Richard Thatcher argues that the consumption of tobacco and convenience foods have reached epidemic proportions and can be classified as substance abuse due to the health risks they pose to the majority of aboriginal people. The book acknowledges that while the use of tobacco and convenience foods are personal choices, they are profoundly influenced by environmental factors.

As with alcohol and street drug abuse, the social costs arising from the overuse of commercial tobacco products and unhealthy foods are public issues, and need to be dealt with at the individual, community and government levels.

Deadly Duo does just that, by delineating government policies and personal and community strategies aimed at preventing tobacco abuse and promoting quality nutrition.

According to the author, the good news is that most health and social problems experienced disproportionately by First Nations and Inuit people are preventable, and that there are millions of people who have successfully overcome these unhealthy habits. The author asserts that in order to ensure cultural survival, First Nations and Inuit people must overcome environmental threats such as substance abuse, to enable the Aboriginal Renaissance in Canada.

Although Thatcher focuses on aboriginal people, nonaboriginal people can learn from this book as well, as the prevalence of obesity and associated health risks permeates all sectors of modern society. Deadly Duo is an interesting, concise and informative treatise on two of the most profound health issues facing people today.

Denise MacDonald is a vegetarian who avoids processed foods like the plague (because they are the plague!)

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