The Soda Ban is Good for Kids, But What About The Rest Of Us?
Baltimore has become the first major city to take on sugary drinks. Now should there be a ban for the medically frail and obese also?
Baltimore Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, states that science shows that sugary drinks are a major contributor to childhood obesity. This makes sense for older adults with weight issues too. "While the country as a whole is struggling with childhood obesity, the problem in Baltimore is particularly pronounced: One in three high school children is obese, and one in four children drinks one or more sodas a day.” These statistics are staggering and likely greater when we look at our population of aging Baby Boomers struggling with obesity. Wen says, "Taking out these empty calories is one of the single biggest lifestyle changes that parents and children can make." This is true for seniors too.
"Sugar Free Kids Maryland, a healthy eating advocacy group, has been fighting for this type of legislation for years, according to Executive Director Shawn McIntosh.” This law helps Baltimore City families have healthier options, so they start making healthier choices.
Public health experts said that, while this is legislation is definitely progress, fruit juice as an option is also a concern. “Some juices do contain more fiber and vitamins, but some juices, such as apple juice, in fact have been used as a sweetener, and it contains a lot of sugar, so it is still not recommended in large amounts for children,” said Dr. Claire Wang, an associate professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health who specializes in policy that fights childhood obesity. “Personally, I think [the ordinance] is one step towards the right direction. The 100 percent fruit juice in modest doses is still superior to a soda."
Professor Frank Hu, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said that he thinks “this kind of message can influence the behavior of parents and drinking habits of the entire family, so it’s something that can have a wide effect.” He also cautioned, however, against fruit juice and other sugar-heavy alternatives, and noted that it will be important to do thorough evaluation of these cities in future years.
BrightStar Care of Baltimore City and County supports healthy nutrition, no matter what your age! To learn more about our home health care services for seniors, families, and children, please visit our website.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/baltimore-becomes-first-major-city-remove-sugary-drinks-kids-menus-n892616