Stop the Pop!

When not using her powers to keep me from death's door, my Big Sister Marsha, RN, MSN, works to improve the health of kids who are lucky enough to have her as their school nurse. One of the ways she does this is to write small articles for her school's newsletter, and I've asked her to share some of these with us. Below is her January article, and it features great advice for starting a new year off right.  I'll be adding my two cents as well (natch), but first, take it away, Marsha:

It's the New Year and we all make resolutions, many of which have to do with improving our health.  Even one change for the better can make a big difference.  For example, we can all benefit from reducing the sugar in our diets.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to remove sugared beverages from your house: soda, juice, sports drinks, all of it!  

BUT, I only drink diet pop, you say? Unfortunately, there's still a lot that is unknown regarding how the artificial sweeteners in diet soda affect the body and metabolism, and the safety of them is continuously debated. Something that isn't up for debate? That diet drinks are basically water with a whole lot of chemicals added.  What could be good for you in that? It's important to stay hydrated, so do it efficiently, by drinking only plain water and low-fat milk. Make 2015 your healthiest year yet! Stop the pop!

Thanks, Marsha! So much truth in there. Whether it's the sugar in regular pop or the questionable chemicals in diet versions, soft drinks aren't something your body derives any benefit from.