Even though August is half way done, it’s not too late to take the #SodaFreeAugust pledge!

Some interesting facts about soda

• Soft drink consumption has more than doubled since the 1970’s. The average teenage boy drinks 2 12-ounce sodas a day, and girls drink 1.4 12-ounce sodas a day…that’s 700 cans and 500 cans a year respectively!
• One bottle of soda (20 oz) has about 18 teaspoons of sugar
• Drinking soda, juice and sport drinks frequently poses a risk for cavities due to their high sugar content and acidity.
• When kids drink more sugary drinks, they tend to drink less milk.

Ideally, your child should drink milk 2 times a day with a meal, water in between meals, and juice, soda and sports drinks as a special treat.  Here are some tips to make it easier to accomplish

• Provide milk at meal times
• Skip the sugary drinks when shopping
• Make water more interesting with infusions- lemon, mint, berries, cucumbers
• Lead by example- sugary beverages are not good for anyone!

Learn more at Nemours Health and Prevention Services