Soda-Free Sunday could change a lifetime habit

I took the pledge Thursday to Pass on Pop beginning Sunday.
The Kansas Action for Children launched the Soda-Free Sundays to help parents, mostly, adapt to a better diet and in the process become better role models for their children.
The KAC’s campaign fits right in with my other New Year’s resolution to cut down on sugar. Changes are easier to make when done in small increments, so going without a soft drink one day a week may lead to kicking the habit altogether.
Promoting healthy habits is one of the softer sides of the KAC. Usually its down in the trenches advocating for early childhood education programs such as Head Start, mandating childcare centers are duly licensed and receive regular inspections, and seeing that children living in poverty have access to healthcare.
Shannon Cotsoradis, KAC chief executive officer, is no stranger to Kansas lawmakers. Her current campaign is to secure  $17.3 million of tobacco settlement funds to be directed to programs that help disadvantaged children.
The money is the second of two payments due the state, and, according to state statute, is to be directed toward early childhood development funds.
Last year’s installment of $12.5 million was “swept” into the state general fund at the direction of Derek Schmidt, Kansas attorney general, to the great surprise and dismay of those who work in early childhood programs. This year, Cotsoradis is taking no chances and has the universal backing of the 12-member Kansas Children’s Cabinet, of which she is a member, to lay claim to the funds before they are once again made part and parcel of the state’s general funds. We wish them luck.

SODA-FREE Sundays fits into the children’s advocacy program because it teaches families about good nutrition.
One in three Kansas children are overweight or obese. Two of three Kansas adults are fighting the battle of the bulge or are clinically obese.
The sugar in pop is “empty” calories in that it has no nutritional value and in fact is harmful to teeth and bones. Being overweight contributes to high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Even diet pop, though calorie-free, is said to make you crave sweets and ultimately consume more calories. After indulging on Russell Stover Candies over the holidays, I’m having a heck of a time curbing my sweet tooth. Sweets beget sweets.
You can sign the Soda-Free Sundays pledge on the website of the Kansas Action for Children at kac.org.

—Susan Lyn