HEALTHY BEVERAGE PROMOTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS

The rise of soft drink intake in youth has increased the risk of low bone mass density, compromised dental health, and possibly contributed obesity. Situation in schools, which provide vending machines contain mostly soft drink, can create confusion in adolescents because schools are supposed to convey a healthy message. Unfortunately, teens lack knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices. A nutrition education program can make adolescents gain knowledge and skills and increase their self-efficacy, so they are able and choose to make healthy decisions. A nutrition education manual, FUEL (Fluid Used Effectively in Living), was developed to promote healthy beverages in high school students. This book describes the way the FUEL was conducted and evaluated in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Findings from the FUEL study would support development of any potential comprehensive policies supporting the sales and consumption of healthy food and beverages at school. Policy makers, other researchers, school personnel, public health staff, and parents should find this book useful to help them understand and promote healthy beverage consumption among adolescents.