Chicago City Wire

Brian Kasal, President of Northside Republicans, said that the MAHA Commission is leading a science-based effort to prioritize children's health by addressing long-overlooked root causes and focusing on prevention. Kasal made his statement to Chicago City Wire.

"At a time when our children's health is at risk, MAHA's willingness to address uncomfortable truths should be recognized and applauded," said Kasal. "MAHA has identified four major contributors—ultraprocessed foods, toxic environmental chemicals, digital overexposure, and overmedicalization—that have been overlooked or minimized for too long. This bold, science-driven approach marks a critical shift toward prevention and transparency. The MAHA Commission is putting American children first by courageously confronting the root causes of the nation's escalating childhood health crisis."

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

A 2021 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that ultraprocessed foods now constitute nearly 70% of the daily caloric intake among U.S. children and adolescents—a significant increase over two decades. These foods are linked to the growing prevalence of childhood obesity, affecting more than 20% of children aged 6–19. High consumption of such products is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

In an October 3, 2024 post titled ‘PFAS Explained,’ the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that exposure to harmful environmental chemicals has become nearly universal among American children. PFAS are found in the blood of approximately 97% of the U.S. population and are linked to serious health risks in children, including developmental delays, immune system suppression, and endocrine disruption.

Kasal was appointed President of Chicago's Northside Republican Club in 2021. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Chicago Northside voters.