by Betty Blake

Created on: April 21, 2010

It is easy to say that soda vending machines be restricted in public schools; however, this would just mask the dire underlying problem.  A generation ago, children had access to soda; but the irony here is that the obesity rate was unheard of.  There needs to be a common-sense approach to this.  There is no need to restrict soda vending machines in public schools. Do bear in mind that these are accessible around the corner at the fast food eateries. The high fructose sugar that is included is clearly part of the problem.  The body is not use to breaking down that fake ingredient; therefore it remains in the system and ultimately add on calories.

We cannot deny that obesity is rapidly on the rise among our youths.  The American Heart Association reports that chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and other obsesity related illnesses are on the rise with a huge cross-section of the public school children. It is very sad to hear that this generation will not outlive their parents.  Restricting sodas will just scratch the surface of the problem. Obviously, this requires the work of a 'village.'  It is imperative that school authorities and parents get involved through the Parents Teachers' Association (PTA).  Already, the health authorities have removed approximately 80% of the calories in soda. 

Each party needs to take responsibility.  School officials cannot do this singly.  Parents and guardians need to encourage their children to walk to school if it is in close proximity to home.  Naturally, an adult could take turn each day  to supervise younger kids.  In addition, parents should make a concerted effort to implore school authorities to stock the vending machines with an assortment of healthy options like 100% juices and water.  Most importantly, it should be mandatory for each public school to teach a nutrition course.  Leaning about the different food groups at an early age will allow children to make better choices when they purchase their meals. It's never too early to teach the children to read food labels.

Let's face it, children are not as active as years gone by.  There needs to be a period or two out of the school day where children are given mandatory physical activities.  You don't need to be a star athlete to shoot hoops.  A simple daily walk around the school grounds is good enough to work up a child's heart rate and subsequently ward off obsesity in the long run.  Authorities should see to it that schools are fitted with amenities like swimming pools and gyms.  Parents and children can get involved by raising funds towards creating some of these amenties in improvished school districts.

Therefore, restricting soda vending machines in public schools is not the answer.  The answer lies in each party, children, parents/guardians, government and school officials doing their part in alleviating this very serious problem of obesity.  It takes a community to stamp out obesity; and it begins at home.

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