Not that I think soda is good, or that schools should be encouraging children
to drink soda, but, I find it so ironic that the AAP sees fit to step in and
have a voice in telling the soda manufacturers that their profits should not
come at the cost of children's health. Even linking the sale of soda to
obesity. Forgive me for my unkind and disrespectful thought, but perhaps the soda
companies have failed to donate enough money to AAP and they should get it
together and with enough money the AAP will be able to tell the public that
indeed soda is healthy treat and a safe alternative to water, juice and milk. This
is not breastfeeding related, but related to the campaign and the AAP
president's negativity. If obesity is a major concern, why not work harder to
encourage breastfeeding and point out the increased risk of obesity when choosing
not to breastfeed. And, what if the AAP takes their own advice about accepting
profits from the sales of products to support the activities....
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040105021209990007
The following is the article:
Updated: 11:34 AM EST
Group Seeks to Eliminate Sodas in Schools
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP
CHICAGO (Jan. 5) - Soft drinks should be eliminated from schools to help
tackle the nation's obesity epidemic and pediatricians should work with their
local schools to ensure that children are offered healthful alternatives, the
American Academy of Pediatrics says.
In a new policy statement, the academy says doctors should contact
superintendents and school board members and "emphasize the notion that every school in
every district shares a responsibility for the nutritional health of its
students."
Some schools already limit contracts with vendors of soft drinks and fast
foods, though the soft drink industry has fought efforts by some states to
mandate such restrictions.
While some schools rely on funds from vending machines to pay for student
activities, the new policy says elementary and high schools should avoid such
contracts, and that those with existing contracts should impose restrictions to
avoid promoting overconsumption by kids.
The policy appears in the January issue of Pediatrics, being published
Monday.
"The purpose of the statement is to give parents and superintendents and
school board members and teachers, too, an awareness of the fact that they're
playing a role in the current obesity crisis, and that they have measures at their
disposal" to address it, said Dr. Robert D. Murray, the policy's lead author.
About 15 percent of U.S. youngsters aged 6 to 19 are seriously overweight.
That is nearly 9 million youths and triple the number in a similar assessment
from 1980.
Soft drinks are a common source of excess calories that can contribute to
weight gain, and soft drink consumers at all ages have a higher daily calorie
intake than nonconsumers, the academy's policy said. It cites data showing that
56 percent to 85 percent of school-age children consume at least one soft drink
daily, most often sugared rather than diet sodas.
The National Soft Drink Association, which represents most soft drink makers
nationwide, said the new policy is misguided and goes too far.
"Soft drinks can be a part of a balanced lifestyle and are a nice treat,"
said Jim Finkelstein, the association's executive director.
01/05/04 02:11 EST
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news
report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed
without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active
hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
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