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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Erika Takada, MPH, Public Health Institute, California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition), 601 N. 7th Street, P.O. Box 942732, MS-675, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, 916-445-3510, etakada@dhs.ca.gov, Amanda Purcell, MPH, Public Health Institute, P.O. Box 942732, MS-675, Sacramento, CA 94234, Jennifer Robertson, MS, RD, California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition), California Department of Health Services, 601 N. 7th Street, P.O. Box 942732, MS-675, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, and Lisa Craypo, MPH, Samuels & Associates, 1204 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, CA 94612.
Soft drink consumption is on the rise in the United States, especially among children. At the same time, there has been an alarming rise in childhood overweight and obesity. Pediatric overweight has been associated with increased disease risks during childhood including hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia and type 2 diabetes. A recent study published in the journal Lancet has shown that for each additional serving of sugar-sweetened drink children consumed, both their BMI and frequency of obesity increased. Aside from unnecessary extra calories and caffeine, soft drinks do not contribute any nutritional benefits such as fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Data shows that teens have tripled their consumption of soft drinks, at the same time decreasing their consumption of milk. This pattern leads to lowered calcium intake at a time when bone is being laid, and may contribute to the development of osteoporosis. This panel presentation will demonstrate multi-component efforts including active research, advocacy, and community mobilization addressing soft drinks in California public schools, and their subsequent outcomes. These efforts include a qualitative analysis examining the prevalence of district-wide soft drink contracts and soda in schools; the community process behind school district policy on soft drink contracts; the evaluation of media advocacy efforts addressing soft drinks in schools; and implementing nutrition standards in schools as they relate to soft drinks. Each presentation will detail the process and/or methodology that led to its outcome and their implications.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Advocacy, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.