20 June 2008 - 12:35Just Say ‘No’ — to Soda
Just Say ‘No’ — to Soda
By Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., Copyright © 2003
Sweet, sparkling, empty-calorie soda pop has become America’s
favorite drink. In just the last 50 years soda consumption
has increased by over 500%.
Mass advertising and availability is at the root of this mass
intake of liquid candy. And contractual agreements with
public schools and recreational facilities are some of the most
lucrative venues. Soft drinks are now sold in over 60% of
public schools. It’s no wonder when you consider that the
profit margin on soda is 90%.
This is great for the soda manufacturers, but poses
increasing health risks for the children and adults who are
guzzling it down in ever increasing amounts.
In the Summer of 2003 I spoke before the Denver Public School Board,
making a plea to not renew their contract with Pepsi.
The board was split on the issue and unfortuately it passed
by one vote.
Before you cast your vote in favor of regular soda consumption
in your household, work place, or local school, consider the
plea I made to the Denver school board. As you read, keep
in mind that although the statistics cited are for children,
parallel statistics exist for the adult population as well.
Here is my 3 minute alloted speech to the school board:
obesity among our children alone - has tripled in the last
two decades.
The same two decades in which soda consumption among children
has tripled for boys and doubled for girls.
According to a study recently cited in the Lancet Medical
Journal,drinking one soda or sweetened beverage a day -
increases the risk for obesity among children by 60%.
In addition, soda consumption puts children at risk for learning
and behavioral disorders and Type 2 diabetes. Previously known
as ‘adult onset’ diabetes, because it rarely struck those under
the age of 50, Type 2 diabetes has now reached epidemic
proportions among children over the past decade.
The same decade in which mass marketing campaigns and the mass
availability of soft drinks have been introduced into the public
school systems.
In response to the frequently voiced argument that students are
free to choose whether or not they drink soda; certainly
there exist many choices that students are free to make and yet
are not allowed on school grounds. The question is not whether
or not children are free to make the choice to drink soda, the
question is does this choice put them at risk?
With the positions you hold comes the obligation to protect the
welfare of the children you serve. The promotion of soda
consumption with its inherent health risks, is clearly a
violation of this obligation.
If you extend the contract with Pepsi - from this day forward,
the sight of every obese, overweight, diabetic or behaviorally-
challenged child will weigh heavy on your mind. And if the past
decade is any indication of what’s to come, there will be many.
If instead you forgo the contract, you will look into the eyes
of these same children and feel confidant that you have done
right by them.
I implore you NOT to extend the contract with Pepsi. Do it for
the children, do it for yourselves – do it for the future of
our nation.
Administrators cite budget cuts in defense of their decision
to compromise our children’s health. It’s difficult for me to
swallow this excuse when the local news flashes stories about
$6 million dollar park renovations to include a new ice rink
and fountain, and a $30 million new sports stadium to include
the latest technology score boards. It’s about priorities, not
budget cuts. There is plenty of money floating around. Our
children and our health have just become low priorities.
Whether you have children or not, whether you drink soda or
not, this is a societal issue that affects all of us.
Individual values are what ultimately drive social values.
I encourage you as an individual to put a high priority on
your health, and the health of our children. You can start
by just saying no to soda pop!
Kelly Hayford, C.N.C. is the award-winning author of If It’s Not Food Don’t Eat It! As a former junk food junkie turned nutrition and health coach, she has helped thousands reverse dis-ease, and restore their health, energy and natural weight. For more tips and teleclasses on healthy eating and holistic self-care, visit:
www.kellyhayford.com or call 303.746.8970
Kelly Hayford, invites you to reprint this article in your publication, ezine, or on your website with the following requirements:
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