Abstract

 

This proposal takes an unusual bent in arguing that all educators, more specifically physical educators, should have an active role in the war against soda pop and a pro-active stance in community awareness, especially fast food restaurants, about children drinking milk, i.e. calcium ingestion.  Physical educators often limit themselves to education of the physical for children.  This presentation will argue physical educators should focus on the total well being of children including moral dilemmas that occur through poor nutrition and companies who benefit from marketing products that are detrimental to children.   Increased carbonated soda consumption and decreased milk intake is a serious concern.  Studies have shown that in 2‑5 year old girls, consuming an 8‑ounce can of carbonated soda decreases the likelihood of achieving the RDA of calcium levels by 40%.  Substituting 8 ounces of soda for 8 ounces of milk can increase the likelihood to NOT achieve calcium levels by 296%.  Considering this information, a group of physical education undergraduate and graduate students decided to survey the incidence of purchase of milk beverage for children at local fast food restaurants.  After watching over 100 parents purchase soda and 1 parent purchase milk, they decided to study this issue more and develop a pro-active plan to change fast food managers marketing strategy for the sale of soda.  This presentation will review that journey and argue that physical educators, health educators, and all educators should be involved in supporting good nutrition.