Competitive hot-dog eating could be hazardous to your health

Competitive hot-dog eating could be hazardous to your health

I read in the June 23 Vindica- tor that Coney Island restaurant is sponsoring a “hot dog eating contest” on July 7 at Southern Park Mall.

When I spoke to a Coney Island representative of the dangers of such a contest, his main comment was “it’s done all the time, it’s a 4th of July celebration,” which I don’t think is much of an argument.

The most obvious danger of eating as many hot dogs as you can in five minutes, is the danger of choking, but also the nutritional poison should also be a concern. (In this case the “winner” is actually the “loser”).

The $20 entrance fee could be much better used to donate to a worthy organization that assists people who cannot afford to buy food for their families.

Another surprise in the article is that Akron Children’s Hospital will receive half of the proceeds of this event. Also, I would not expect that Southern Park Mall would allow such a dangerous event on their premises.

I would strongly suggest that this event be canceled before a tragedy occurs.

Mary Clayton, Youngstown