Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, said that the MAHA Commission is employing a science-based approach to address children's health by concentrating on prevention and root causes. He made this statement to the Lake County Gazette.

"The MAHA Commission is shining a spotlight on the long-ignored factors harming children's health in the U.S," said Swidler. "Their focus includes ultraprocessed foods, harmful chemicals, too much screen time, and unnecessary medicalization. This comprehensive approach represents a turning point in how we view childhood wellness. MAHA's work empowers parents and communities to demand safer, healthier environments for children."

The Hill reported that the Trump administration’s MAHA Commission, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released its first report addressing the root causes of America’s childhood health crisis. The report identifies four key contributors: ultraprocessed foods, toxic environmental chemicals, digital overexposure, and overmedicalization. Citing alarming trends in physical and mental health, it calls for urgent investigation into substances like glyphosate, atrazine, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and phthalates. It also raises concerns over rising medication and vaccine use in children. Rather than advocating for premature regulations, the Commission supports gold-standard research and transparency to restore scientific integrity and prioritize children’s long-term health.

According to a 2021 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, ultraprocessed foods now constitute nearly 70% of the daily caloric intake among U.S. children and adolescents—a significant increase over the past two decades. These foods are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives, which are strongly linked to the growing prevalence of childhood obesity affecting more than 20% of children aged 6–19. The high consumption of such products has also been associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

In an October 3, 2024 post on its website titled ‘PFAS Explained,’ the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that exposure to harmful environmental chemicals, including PFAS ("forever chemicals"), has become nearly universal among American children. According to the agency, PFAS are found in the blood of approximately 97% of the U.S. population. These chemicals are linked to serious health risks in children, including developmental delays, immune system suppression, and endocrine disruption. Their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulative nature make them particularly concerning for long-term child health.

Swidler was first elected as Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership," as well as "communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."