Reminders from dentists are beneficial this time of year when candy canes and sweet treats surround us, but you might be surprised to learn that soda pop is the single biggest source of calories in the American diet. Kids drink it often – some drink it several times a day. A study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health found that soft drinks may be responsible for the doubling of obesity in children over the last 15 years! This is not only a body issue but a brain one!

The carbonation and caffeine in soda pop can cause tooth decay, acid reflux, and can disrupt sleep cycles in children. What do we know about the importance of sleep and brain health? Sleep is vital to good brain health! Painful teeth and acid reflux can create problems with attention in school. If a child is distracted by pain, he is less likely to be attending to academics or social experiences.

Soda pop is not just bad for teeth; it has overarching outcomes that ultimately affect how the brain works throughout the day. The best approach is to cut down or avoid carbonated drinks altogether. Schools are starting to remove the soft drink vending machines in hallways and cafeterias. You can choose to stop bringing these drinks into your home. Think about healthier alternatives, like cider, natural juices, milk or good old fashion water!

A small change, like drinking more water can help children feel better, look better, sleep better, and perform better. Brainjogging 5-7 minutes, twice daily, also improves a child’s brain! Why wait!? Here’s to a healthier family! Contact Camp Academia at www.campacademia.com!