Don't Be Like Mike, Rest When You Have the Flu

Gatorade does not cure the flu. Just wanted to make sure you knew that, especially if you have seen the latest Gatorade commercial. It shows Michael Jordan during the famous “Flu Game” in 1997. The ad shows him looking sick, drinking Gatorade (or something from a Gatorade cup) and then dribbling and hitting shots. All the while, Phil Jackson talking about Michael Jordan’s will to win. The Public Health Advocacy Institute wants the Federal Trade Commission to pull the ad because it “openly promotes engaging in vigorous physical activity while suffering a very high fever.” It wants Pepsi to come out with new advertising to promote the government recommendation that people with the flu should stay home and rest. Because this ad sends a terrible message to teens that they should play through injuries and win at all costs.