Timing is everything. As New York began its heatwave, Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, had a special workshop for the Enhancing Family Literacy through Education and Storytelling Program. On one of the hottest days in July, we learned about the importance of staying hydrated and also ‘Rethinking our drinks’.
Rebecca Radachy, MS, a Community Nutrition Educator for Eat Smart New York, gave a very informative and interesting presentation about how to make better choices when deciding on a beverage. Of course, water is definitely the beverage of choice however, Rebecca made a special drink which was very refreshing. She used seltzer water, cut up watermelon, ice and mint. It certainly quenched our thirst.
Rebecca stressed the importance of reading the labels on the products and paying special attention to the amount of sugar that is in each item. She had one visual in particular that truly resonated with everyone. She asked how much sugar a person would consume in one year if they drank one bottle of soda every day. She showed one box of sugar and then she kept spreading it and spreading it until there was about 50 boxes of sugar! I think she converted anyone who was a soda drinker.
The participants not only received great handouts but they also received a water container as a reminder to rethink our drinks.