Hello Whyvillians,

We wanted to write to you today about staying healthy. Staying in shape and fit is very important for people of all ages, even hyper-active kids like us! Just kidding, we're not all hyperactive. *wink*

In the summer, we all want to get thinner to fit in to that swimsuit we just bought, or those new shorts we just got (half price!). In this article, we wanted to explain some of the damaging consequences of eating certain unhealthy foods. Things we love, like fries, soda, hot dogs and traditional fast-foods can turn into unwanted fat. But, out of all these foods, what we really want to talk about is the dangers of soda pop. Yes, you never thought of that did you? Pop, and other sugary drinks, are a health hazard! (This is your cue to gasp)

*GASP*

So read on because this is really important!

Most soft drinks have caffeine. Caffeine is an addictive drug and it can affect your health. Pop gives the average teenager approximately 12.5 teaspoons of sugar a day. That is more than what our Food Guides say we should have to stay healthy - especially since that comes from only pop! That doesn't include that Toaster Strudel you had for breakfast, or that ice cream for pre-dinner dessert. *wink*

In 1977-1978, teenagers drank twice as much milk as soft drinks. By 1994-1996, it had turned around, and we were drinking twice as much soda as we were drinking milk!

When we drink all this soda pop we are not getting nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fiber, which we need to stay healthy and grow. Mountain Dew, for example, has 31 gram of sugar per can! That's three times the amount in a regular bowl of corn flakes! In one can! As well, this one can has no protein, no calcium, and few other vital vitamins and minerals.

This is where we ask ourselves, why are we still drinking pop?

It may well be that soda pop is a problem for teens, adults, and children. That's a reason why there have been many meetings and petitions on the removal of soda machines and other bad foods in cafeterias from schools across the continent. Parents and students alike are worried about the effect on people's health in and out of school.

Of course, eating unnecessary junk may cause you to become overweight. As you get older, being overweight can cause you many problems. Coronary disease, strokes, hearth attacks, cancer, diabetes and many other diseases are caused because the victim is overweight. Speaking of which, an article in one of my teen magazines shows a study on four teenagers who gave up pop for six months. They all lost at least 15 lbs, and they all felt healthier and more active.

Soda and other bad foods may weaken your bones and cause other problems with joints. It may end up in diseases such as osteoporosis as you get older. I know someone with brittle bones, and it is not a fun thing to live with. (Neither is Coronary disease, for that matter.) So stay healthy and try to avoid soda pop for lunch!

Now, after all that, I don't want you running away from that little eight ounce can. Soda is a good-tasting drink and it's great to have with friends or on special occasions! But if you're having a two liter every day with you breakfast, it *might* be better to substitute the pop for a big glass of milk instead.

Stop With The Pop!

Rookgrl & Icyfairy