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Putting a Stop to Soda Pop
Why Too Much Is Hurting Your Kids
By Kelly Burgess
(HarperResource, 2001), also worries about how those constant sugar "spikes" are going to affect a child's behavior and development.
"Sugar alters the normal glycemic response and insulin response and gives these kids constant revolving insulin peaks," she says. "There are many unanswered questions about how that affects them behaviorally and in terms of their long-term health."
"Schools no longer have any discretionary income," says Dr. Landers. "Then these big soda companies come in and offer them a million bucks to put a few machines around the school, and the school boards roll over. For the soda companies, it's all about establishing brand loyalty at a very young age. For the school boards, it's about having that cash. The only losers are the kids."
What has really surprised Dr. Landers in his fight to ban pop in schools is that some parents object to banning the soft drinks in schools, saying their children need to be able to make their own choices.
"That's fine if they have choices that are reasonably healthy," says Landers. "But if it's a choice between four flavored sports drinks, that's no choice at all. These kids' choices are being narrowed down by corporations who want their money and their loyalty and don't give a damn about their health."
