Health District encourages Soda Free Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 8, 2013

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District launches its Soda Free Summer Initiative on Monday, July 8 in an effort to encourage children and adults to choose healthier beverages and reduce or eliminate sugary drinks from their diets. Adults and kids are invited to take the Soda Free Summer pledge on the Get Healthy Clark County website, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org.

The health district is working with the City of Henderson to implement the Sugar Savvy curriculum for kids enrolled in summer camp programs.

In the past 40 years, portion sizes and consumption of sugary beverages have increased. Research has found a link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and higher rates of obesity, oral health problems and overall poor diets. In addition, about 50 percent of the U.S. population drinks at least one sugary beverage a day and a quarter of them have more than one. Soda, sweetened fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks account for nearly half of all added sugar consumption in the American diet.

By cutting back consumption of just one can of soda per day, adults and children can reduce their calorie intake by approximately 150 calories and reduce their risk of obesity and obesity-related illnesses, diabetes, tooth decay and even gout.

Healthier drink choices include water, fat-free or 1 percent milk, seltzer or unsweetened tea or coffee.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.