Child and Baby Care Advice

No More Sugary Sodas in US Schools - Let’s Give Big Bill a Pat on the Back

Love him or hate him, former United States president Bill Clinton deserves a big pat on the back for his role in brokering a deal that puts a stop to the sale of sugary, fizzy sodas in the country’s schools.
The nation’s top beverage makers have agreed to sell only water, unsweetened juice and low-fat milks to elementary and middle schools. High school vending machines and cafeterias will see a similar exodus of sugary sodas, although diet drinks and sports drinks would still be available.

Announcing the deal in New York today (04 May 2006) Clinton described the deal as “a bold step forward in the struggle to help 35 million young people lead healthier lives,” adding that it could add “years and years and years” to their lives.

For once a politician is not exaggerating. Fizzy drinks in schools are widely acknowledged as one of the major contributors to the growing child and teenage obesity problem world-wide.

With industry heavyweights Cadbury Schweppes, Coca-Cola and Pepsi on board, it’s estimated that the agreement will reach nearly 90 percent of the school beverage market.

This deal could indeed have a huge positive effect of the nation’s future health. Could it be that Clinton will end up making a bigger impact on the nation through his role in this one deal than he did in two terms as president?

Advocates of healthy food in schools, while welcoming the agreement as a positive first step, say it does not go far enough, pointing to the calories in sports drinks and some flavoured milks as an example.

Gary Ruskin of Commercial Alert, a non-profit organization that opposes commercialism and promotes public health had additional concerns. He said the deal still appeared to allow beverage companies to advertise in schools, on scoreboards and vending machines.

He asked whether there was any enforcement mechanism built into the deal and questioned its implementation timetable, pointing out that the industry signatories had not promised to fully implement it even by the 2009/2010 school year.

These are valid points, but for now, it seems churlish to rain on Bill’s parade.

His foundation and its collaborator in this deal, the American Heart Association, themselves acknowledge that this is only the first step in a campaign for healthier food in schools.

“This is really the beginning of a major effort to modify childhood obesity at the level of the school systems,” said Heart Association president Robert Eckel.

So for now, let’s give this deal the applause it deserves, but watch this space

Alan Cooper is a journalist with 20 year’s experience and the publisher of http://www.ObesityCures.com, a site with the ambitious aim of being a “one-stop-shop” for impartial information on obesity and weight loss solutions - including fad diets, prescription weightloss pills and natural weightloss aids.

Tags: Bill Clinton, childhood obesity, school sodas, soda ban

How Do I Tell Someone Their Child Has Autism

When your child has autism it can be a very difficult situation to deal with. Oftentimes, parents may suspect there is something developmentally wrong with their child, but consciously coming to grips with the situation can be extremely hard to accept. There are many cases where an autistic child is treated as if he or she is a completely normal child, out of a sort of blind, but wishful thinking, and these situations can be particularly troubling, for parents and child.

If you know someone close to you and you believe their child has autism, it is best that you voice your concerns even if you risk upsetting the parents. The reason being is the quicker a diagnoses is confirmed, the faster interventions and treatment can be started. Simply ignoring the problem will never make it go away. In fact, pretending that a child does not have autism can actually exacerbate symptoms and problematic behaviors instead of redefining and helping to structure them. Raising an autistic child, depending on the severity of the disorder, can be an extraordinarily difficult task that can take both an emotional and physical toll on parents and family members.
However, there are forms of treatment and interventions that can truly help, so the sooner a child is diagnosed the easier it can be.

Basic psychology suggests that when you approach someone about a potentially troubling situation it is better for all concerned if the situation is handled in a gentle manner. Obviously, if you are going to tell someone close to you that you believe their child is autistic, it pays to be sensitive. If you are straightforward and discuss the matter in a calm, sensitive way, you can avert any possible hostility in return. Many parents may react angrily and deny the suggestion their child is autistic, so it is probably a good idea to have some literature with you to back up why you feel their child may be autistic. It is also important to explain the different levels of autism and their effects.

If you are prepared to provide some meaningful information on autism you should first learn as much about the disorder as you can. If you are going to approach parents and suggest a diagnosis of autism, you should know what you’re talking about. Furthermore, it is a good idea to be supportive and honest when you tell someone you believe their child is autistic. Remember many people do not fully understand what autism really is, so it will be up to you to be able to explain the disorder and answer any of their initial questions.

In addition, autistic children, like other children with developmental disabilities, have special needs. If you really want to help, you should be ready to provide information on how to access services that address the special needs of the child in question. When a parent faces the fact that her child may be autistic, it can be an overwhelming sensation due to the fact that the resulting changes will be life-altering for the people directly involved.

When you raise your concerns with someone in your family or really close to you, you should always try to do so sensitively - pick your moment and don’t just blurt it out at a family gathering or in public. Remember, the news you are going to deliver can be initially devastating. Make sure you know enough so you can answer the majority of questions that will be thrown at you. Most importantly, be yourself and make sure the person knows that you care and are concerned for them and their child.

Try to offer information about methods of treatment that will shed some positive slant on autism. Inform your friend or family member that there are thousands of scientists and researchers working on ways to better treat autism. You should also have a list of resources available. This list can include websites, local clinics, cutting-edge research and anything else you feel can give a realistic, but positive approach to autism. Have a look through the previous posts on the blog for links to sites that could provide a great starting point for a parent learning about autism for the first time.

Rachel Evans. You can sign up for a Free Autism Newsletter at Essential Guide To Autism or for more autism articles click here http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2006/07/07/how-do-i-tell-someone-their-child-has-autism/”>Autism Articles.

Tag: Autism

Child and Baby Care Advice

No More Sugary Sodas in US Schools - Let’s Give Big Bill a Pat on the Back

How Do I Tell Someone Their Child Has Autism

Take Your Children For a Spray Tan!

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