Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about things parents can do to help their children be safe and healthy. One thing you should do is watch what your children drink.
Sugary sodas are a bad idea because they promote obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. But what about diet sodas? Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says sweet drinks — whether sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners — can help children develop a taste for sweeter foods, and that can still lead to weight gain, while the acid of these sodas is bad for teeth. Water is the best alternative, and parents need to set a good example by drinking water, themselves, instead of reaching for sodas. In addition to water, make more nutritious alternatives, such as fruit or vegetable juices, available. Just make sure the juices are 100 percent juice and not sweetened juice drinks.
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October 2007
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