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It’s easier not to think about how much sugar you’re consuming if cookies, snacks, and sodas are a regular part of your diet. One group of sixth graders couldn’t ignore it when it was right in front of them.
Louisville Water Community Relations Specialist Barbara Crow recently visited Ms. Frydlewicz’s class at Westport Middle School. The lesson started off with students learning about the source of our drinking water, the Ohio River. From there, they talked about the obvious ways we use water- to drink, cook, wash clothes, wash our hands, and bathe ourselves. They were surprised to learn water is necessary to make plastics, grow trees which make paper, and power machines, etc. Then they discussed the health benefits of drinking water such as how it can help you think more efficiently, lubricate joints and muscles, give you more energy and fight fatigue, and reduce your feeling of hunger.
While you may think grabbing that candy bar or bag of chips is a quick way to get an instant boost, the sugar rush eventually wears off. That can cause you to have trouble focusing, become disoriented, make you feel tired, or even irritable. There’s also the obvious consequence of a higher chance for cavities.
“You’re old enough now to take responsibility for your personal health. You can’t eat candy, cookies, and soft drinks all day long,” Crow told the class. “Too much sugar is definitely a health concern, and it can affect the way our bodies function.”
A short vídeo explained an easy way to break down the sugar content on soda bottles and juice boxes. Four grams equals one teaspoon. It was time for the students to put their math skills to the test. Various soft drinks, juices, and Louisville Pure Tap® lined a display board. Reading the labels, they matched jars of sugar to the appropriate drink.
“A lot of sugar gets added to drinks,” Crow said.
Many students were surprised when they read that one particular soft drink contained 88 grams of sugar or 22 teaspoons.
When asked if she realized how much sugar is in some beverage choices, sixth grader Melody shared, “Not really, but my dad says I shouldn’t drink so many. I think everyone should drink water.”
Because as you might expect, Pure Tap has zero sugar. Melody is on track to being a Pure Tap ambassador. She’s carried a reusable water bottle with her since elementary school.
“So I can stay hydrated,” she said.
Crow said there’s one simple way to know if you’re drinking enough water. This part of the lesson always gets a few giggles. She told them to look before they flush to see the color of their urine.
“What we’re shooting for is that nice pale yellow. If you see that, you’re ready to go!”
And with that final piece of information, the students received a free Pure Tap bottle and Tapper tattoo to encourage them on their hydration journey.
