Letter to the Editor: Let’s Support Positive Choices and Our Dairy Farmers

I don’t often write letters to the editor, but I was so appalled by the huge ad, “The Dangers of Dairy Milk It Does the Body Wrong,” in a recent edition of the Pulse that I felt I needed to voice my concern. As I read the most recent edition of the Pulse, I saw that I was not the only one taking issue with this ad [Editor’s note:  It was not an ad but a commentary piece and accompanying graphic on the Perspectives page].

We live in the dairy state of Wisconsin! Our farmers are suffering from low milk prices many of whom are barely able to maintain their farms as evidenced by a recent article in the Door County Advocate and the Green Bay Press Gazette about the struggles of a farm family right here in Door County.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine that was cited as the source of the “dangers ad” completely failed to mention any of the well known health benefits of dairy such as the daily values of calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamins B, D, A, and others. The WebMD website emphasizes the health benefits of low-fat dairy including the much needed calcium and protein that our bodies need.

At a time when there is so much emphasis on wellness and the prevention of costly health issues, we need to support positive choices in food for people of all ages. Unfortunately, this negative anti-dairy ad that appeared does not promote healthy choices. Let’s support thriving behaviors and at the same time support our dairy farmers and their families.

Sue Todey

Sturgeon Bay, Wis.