The California legislature has not accomplished much by banning sugary drinks in favor of other beverages ("Life in the Fats Lane,"News, April). A 12-oz. serving (one can) of soda with sugar contains 140 calories. But a 12-oz. serving of most fruit juices has about 180 calories, a 12-oz. serving of skim milk about 120 calories, 12 oz. of 2% milk about 187 calories, and 12 oz. of whole milk about 250 calories. While it's true that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended restricting the sale of soft drinks in schools, 1 it also supports restricting fruit juice intake because of its high sugar content and the resultant tooth decay. 2
No single food can be eliminated from one's diet to magically bring about weight loss. I'm concerned that well-meaning efforts to combat childhood obesity will spawn an increase in childhood eating disorders, and there is research to support my opinion. For example, in an effort to build self-esteem in adolescents, the AAP discourages overaggressive dieting. 3 Most nutritionists believe there are no good and bad foods; this includes soda, even though it provides nothing but calories. Most of them believe any food can be consumed in a healthful diet, using moderation and portion control.
Our nation's schools have inadvertently become partners in a commercial quest to "Leave No Child (Without a Large) Behind." Childhood obesity is a health issue every nurse should be concerned with, regardless of practice area. To help control this epidemic, you could
* insist that your local school district establish a "school health council" with the power to set and enforce policies for hot meals, vending machines, and physical education (http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth).
* partner with fast-food chains such as Burger King and with local growers to provide more nutritional foods in "slim-size" portions, and ask, "Would you like fruit (instead of fries) with that?" Use their tremendous marketing savvy and budgets to advertise healthy choices.
* teach families about Dr. Walter Willett's reworking of the food pyramid, based on results of the Harvard Nurses Health Studies (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource).
* urge legislators to pass laws that prohibit the sale of "food of minimal nutritional value" in schools and to prohibit the purchase of these items with food stamps.
* find creative ways to fund school nurse positions in every district.
* practice what you preach. Eat healthful meals, enjoy fitness activities five times a week, and quit smoking.
Treats in classrooms for schoolchildren, such as cupcakes on birthdays and candy on Halloween, didn't cause our obesity epidemic and should not be eliminated. Childhood should still be fun, just not fat.
Linda Hultman, RN
Louisville, CO
MaryPat Randall, MSN, RN
Interlochen, MI
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