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Have more water! 
 
April 2010
Volume 6   Issue 4 
In This Issue
Hydration
What are you drinking?
Smart Beverage Choices
 
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The Oliver Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.

Scheduled  Oliver Foundation Presentations
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April 26 - 29, 2010
Greater Houston Association Health Education Centers, 
 
August 4 - 7, 2010
American Association Diabetes Education
San Antonio, TX
 
 
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Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants

 

The Finish Line Youth Foundation supports youth programs that are effective and inclusive, funding opportunities for participation in youth programs that place an importance on youth development and an active lifestyle.

Award Amount: $1,000 - $5,000

Deadline: Rolling

 
Have more water and less sugary beverages!
Maintaing a healthy lifestyle includes making healthy choices when you choose your drink.  Two things to consider when choosing a beverage are added sugars and calories.
 
Everyone thinks about changing their eating habits when they want to be healthier, but you need to look at what you're drinking too.  Did you know that for each 20 ounce bottle of soda, you are drinking an additional 230 calories?  But a  20 ounce bottle of water provides zero calories and you may find it quenches your thirst better. 
Hydration
 
Water is an essential nutrient. Your body needs it to function.  
 
 
Water is responsible for many functions in your body. 
  • transports carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and othe important nutrients into your cells
  • helps your kidneys remove waste, toxins and excess nutrients from your body
  • preserves skin's elasticity, softness and coloring
  • helps regulate your overall body temperature
  • as little as a 1% to 2% loss in body weight due to water loss can impair your ability to concentrate
  • aids in digestion of your food
  • cushions your joints and keeps muscles working properly 
What are you drinking?
Water 1 
What's the big deal, if 'm thirsty I drink whatever is handy, right?  NO, all beverages are not created equal. 
 
Teachers and parents, the best way to encourage kids to make healthy choices is by example.  Be a healthy role model.  But a picture is worth a thousand words.
 
 Checkout, the Think Your Drink lesson from the Washington Dairy Council.  At their website you'll find a free downloadable powerpoint and a Think Your Drink worksheet.  The lesson compares the "added sugar" content of five different beverages:  2% reduced fat milk, 1% lowfat chocolate milk, soft drink, 10% juice drink, and 100% orange juice.  Sweet drinks taste good, but you don't get any additional nutrition from them - only added calories. 
 
This lesson provides a great visual by using sugar cubes to represent added sugar for each drink.  One sugar cube equals 4 grams of sugar.
Easy Ways to Make Smart Beverage Choices
Water
 
Remember, it takes time to make new healthy habits.  Try a few of the strategies below and you will be on your way to
 
 Healthy Choices for Life
 
 
 
  • Be a role model for your friends and family, make water your beverage of choice.
  • Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
  • Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge.
  • Serve water with meals.
  • Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or watermelon.
  • Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing low-calorie drink.
  • If you do opt for a sugar-sweetened drink, choose a small size. 
 
Have you created a Healthy School Environment in your district?  Send us an e-mail, [email protected],  and tell us all about it. 
 
You may be spotlighted in the next Oliver Foundation newsletter - T.E.A.M. Talk.
 
Sincerely,
 
Oliver Foundation