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Imagine Ronald McDonald working side by side in a laboratory with scientists from the Scripps Research Institute.
The seemingly contradictory scenario isn’t that far off.
McDonald’s Corp. and Scripps are partnering to fight obesity in children and adult-onset, or type 2, diabetes. The fast-food giant is contributing $2 million to Scripps, and in turn Scripps is naming a newly created diabetes research center after the Oak Brook, Ill.-based chain.
The announcement was made Sept. 13.
The new research entity will be called the McDonald’s Center for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.
Scripps spokesman Keith McKeown said the initiative does not involve constructing a new building or hiring any new employees.
Scripps Research Institute is in La Jolla and employs 3,000 people there, as well as 300 in Florida.
McDonald’s, along with other fast-food burger chains, has been criticized for high fat content and super-sized portions, but its current menu represents an array of healthy changes, the company says.
A Go Active! Happy Meal for Adults launched this year includes a salad, bottled water and a 15-minute workout DVD. The company’s new menu reflects a phaseout of Super Size fry and drink options, according to McDonald’s. In 2004, McDonald’s introduced Happy Meal Choices, a menu option that allows consumers to substitute apple slices and a low-fat caramel dipping sauce instead of fries.
The company, which generated record revenues of more than $20 billion last year, also now offers 100 percent apple juice or milk with kids meals.
McDonald’s stock, traded as MCD on the New York Stock Exchange, closed at $37.58 on Sept. 19.
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health insurance Bill Vetoed: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have required large employers to spend a minimum amount of money on health care.
Senate Bill 1414, which had been proposed by Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, would have required companies with a work force of 10,000 or more to reimburse the state for health-care costs of its employees or dedicate 8 percent of its payroll toward employee health coverage.
A Maryland law similar to SB 1414 was recently struck down by the courts due to the opinion that it was pre-empted by federal law.
“Beyond its legal shortcomings,” Schwarzenegger’s office said in a written statement following the veto Sept. 13, “SB 1414 is not the comprehensive approach to health care reform that California needs.”
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Grossmont Appoints Board: The Grossmont Healthcare District, which passed a $247 million bond measure in June for improvements to the 481-bed Sharp Grossmont Hospital, has selected an 11-member board to oversee spending of the bond money.
The volunteer board, or Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, will include Ellen Arcadi, a registered nurse and member of the Commission on Aging for the city of La Mesa; Ernest Ewin, president of Ewin
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