A local obesity coalition and pediatricians at both La Crosse hospitals are urging school districts in the La Crosse area to examine the promotion of soft drinks in schools and perhaps restrict soda sales.

The Coulee Region Childhood Obesity Coalition and the pediatrics departments at Gundersen Lutheran and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare issued a challenge Thursday to all Coulee Region schools to consider limiting or eliminating soda consumption and sales in schools.
Linda Lee, co-chairwoman of the obesity coalition, said the position came in response to a policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which challenges pediatric health care providers and school districts to work toward restricting the sale of soft drinks in schools to safeguard against obesity and tooth decay.

Lee, nutrition manager for the La Crosse County Health Department, said being overweight is now the most common medical condition of childhood, with the prevalence having doubled during the past 20 years.

Complications of the obesity epidemic include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, she added.

"We are bombarded almost daily with information pertaining to the fattening of our children, yet we continue to provide an obvious source of excess calories to our children through our schools," Lee said.

She said a study at Harvard University has linked obesity to soda consumption.

Each 12-ounce serving of soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 non-nutritious calories, while often replacing milk, which is loaded with vital nutrition for children and adolescents, Lee said.

Lee also said La Crosse area schools provide access to, and sometimes market, soda through policies that allow soft drinks to be sold at school, school events and as fund-raisers.

Some schools throughout the country have added more vending machines but with healthier options such as milk, water and juice, she said.

"We don't want schools or fund-raising organizations to lose revenue, but we want them to consider healthier options and the health impact on our kids," Lee said.

COALITION'S SUGGESTIONS

The coalition has sent letters to school superintendents and school board members in La Crosse County urging them to talk about soda consumption and obesity, and consider the following actions:

Working to eliminate sweetened soft drinks while making water, skim milk and 100 percent fruit juices available.

Advocating for a school nutrition advisory council to make sure that the health and nutritional interests of students form the foundation of nutritional policies.

Inviting public discussion before making any decisions on a vended food or drink contract.

Terry Rindfleisch can be reached at trindfleisch@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8227.

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