First 5 says "Rethink your Drink"

First 5 Amador, First 5 Calaveras And WIC Team Up With An Otter That Wants You To Rethink Your Drink! In an effort to provide families important information, First 5, WIC and several local organizations have teamed up with a savvy critter that knows the importance of drinking water. 

“Potter the Otter – A Tale About Water” is being introduced to Amador and Calaveras Counties through the distribution of colorful, English/Spanish rhyming books and activities that encourage families to drink water instead of sugary drinks. Frightening statistics show that the average 4-5 year old eats almost 65 lbs. of added sugar a year – that’s more than 17 teaspoons of sugar a day. 

The average American consumes 50 gallons of soda and other sweetened beverages each year.  Drinking sugary beverages has been linked to weight gain, children and adults becoming obese, and developing severe health problems such as Type 2 diabetes.  Reducing the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages people drink is an important step in reversing the obesity epidemic.

Potter the Otter tips:·      
 Drink water when you are thirsty – it’s the best choice·        
Fill a pitcher with water and add fresh fruit slices for more flavor·      
Limit juice to 4 to 6 ounces per day.  Even 100% fruit juice contains sugar and should be limited.·         Prevent tooth decay – don’t put soda or juice in a baby bottle or sippy cup.

WIC is providing information through educational presentations and the distribution of posters and pledges encouraging families to Rethink Their Drink.  If you are interested in additional information, please contact WIC at 223-7685, First 5 Amador at 257-1092 and First 5 Calaveras at 754-6917.