Hi,
This is the letter I wrote in response to the photo of a baby drinking a
bottle, saying FORMULA FOR SUCCESS. This was an advertisement for a financial
services company. I have tried to reach this man by phone for 2 days but he
did not return any of my calls. Anyone wishing, can also send a letter. The
address is below, the email address is www.equitable.com.
Thanks,
Roni M. Chastain, RN, FACCE

Michael Martin
The Equitable Companies Incorp.
1290 Ave of the Americas
New York, New York 10104

Dear Mr Martin,
I was very saddened to see the photo of a baby drinking from a bottle, that
was in the May issue of Vanity Fair. Breastfeeding is the best way for a baby
to be fed for the first year of life.
Did you know that formula feeding puts children at risk for many diseases and
even death. Formula fed infants have higher incidences of respiratory
infections, gastro-infections,  ear infections, diabetes, Crohn's disease,
childhood lymphoma and other cancers, just to name a few.
Did you know that in 1997 the United States had one of the lowest
breastfeeding rates of all the industrialized nations, and one of the highest
rates of infant mortality.
Did you know that the World Health Organization, the United States Surgeon
General , as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends exclusive
breastfeeding for the first year of life.
Did you know that breastfeeding protects a baby from many illnesses, and
protects the mother against breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Infant formula companies make over $22 million dollars daily from the sale of
a product known to be of lesser nutritional value and you have just added to
their profits.
Please do not compromise the health of our children to sell insurance and
investment opportunities.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Roni M. Chastain, RN, FACCE