Parents often focus on providing nutritious foods for their children but may overlook the importance of healthy beverage choices. Recently, four prominent national health and nutrition organizations collaborated to release a consensus statement offering recommendations for beverage consumption among school-age children and adolescents. These guidelines address hydration needs by age, types of recommended drinks, beverages to limit, and those to avoid entirely. To better understand these recommendations, CNN consulted with wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, who emphasized the significance of selecting appropriate drinks to prevent obesity and maintain overall health.
Drinking habits play a crucial role in shaping a child's diet. According to Dr. Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, it is essential that children derive most of their calories from nutrient-rich sources rather than empty-calorie options. With approximately one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. suffering from obesity, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making informed beverage choices becomes vital. Sugary sodas and other sweetened drinks are strongly linked to weight gain and dental issues, further underscoring the need for healthier alternatives.
Hydration requirements vary depending on factors such as age, physical activity levels, and climate. For instance, children aged 5 to 8 should consume around 40 fluid ounces daily, equivalent to about five cups. Older children between 9 and 13 require between 54 to 61 ounces (seven to seven-and-a-half cups), while teenagers aged 14 to 18 need between 61 to 88 ounces (seven-and-a-half to eleven cups). Water remains the top recommendation for fulfilling hydration needs, although milk and limited amounts of juice can also contribute positively when consumed responsibly.
Milk is another key component within these guidelines, particularly pasteurized varieties without added sugars. Recommendations suggest up to 20 ounces per day for younger children and up to 24 ounces for older ones. However, flavored milks like chocolate or strawberry are discouraged due to excessive sugar content. Regarding fruit juices, even 100% natural versions should be limited significantly—no more than 4 to 6 ounces daily for younger kids, increasing slightly with age—but they aren't necessary for maintaining a balanced diet since whole fruits provide superior nutritional benefits.
Plant-based alternatives like soy or almond milk might serve as substitutes only under specific medical circumstances, such as allergies or dietary restrictions. In such cases, opting for unsweetened versions ensures alignment with health goals. Conversely, juice drinks containing added sugars fall into the same category as sugary sodas and should be avoided altogether. Additionally, artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks lack sufficient evidence regarding their long-term effects on children’s health, making them unsuitable options.
Sports drinks represent yet another area requiring caution. High sugar contents render them largely unnecessary outside extreme athletic contexts where rapid electrolyte replenishment is required. Furthermore, confusion sometimes arises between sports drinks and energy drinks, which contain caffeine and other stimulants harmful to young bodies. Thus, neither type of drink aligns with the expert panel's recommendations for promoting optimal child health.
In conclusion, fostering good drinking habits early lays a foundation for lifelong wellness. By prioritizing water and plain milk while restricting less beneficial options, parents empower their children to thrive physically and mentally. Such practices mirror those adopted by Dr. Wen herself, whose family emphasizes water and milk while treating juice sparingly as a special occasion item. Through awareness and deliberate action, families can ensure their children receive the nourishment needed for robust growth and development.
The Miami Open, set to commence on March 18, is the second major event in the prestigious Sunshine Double. As players gear up for this grand spectacle at Hard Rock Stadium, all eyes are on the world's top athletes who will vie for a share of over $8.9 million in prize money. The singles champion will walk away with $1.12 million, along with 1,000 ranking points and one of the WTA's most celebrated trophies. Key dates include the qualifying rounds from March 16-17 and the main draw ceremony on March 16.
Notable storylines surround the tournament as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka aims for her first Miami title, while World No. 2 Iga Swiatek seeks to repeat her 2022 success. Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins, Petra Kvitova, and Victoria Azarenka also bring compelling narratives to the court. Each player carries their own aspirations and challenges into this high-stakes competition.
Pursuit of Glory: Top Players' Ambitions
Among the elite contenders, Aryna Sabalenka leads the charge for her maiden Miami triumph. Despite her illustrious career, including three Grand Slam victories, Sabalenka has yet to surpass the quarterfinals in six appearances. Her journey contrasts with Iga Swiatek, who not only clinched the 2022 Miami crown but also achieved the rare Sunshine Double by winning both Indian Wells and Miami consecutively. Swiatek joins an exclusive group that includes legends like Stefanie Graf and Kim Clijsters.
Elena Rybakina adds intrigue to the mix, having come close to joining the elite club twice in recent years. Her performances highlight the fierce competition expected in Southeast Florida. Meanwhile, homegrown talent Coco Gauff enters the tournament with renewed determination after a strong start to the year, albeit facing recent setbacks. Her local support could propel her toward achieving her first Miami victory. These narratives underscore the depth and excitement of the upcoming matches.
Legacies and Comebacks: Returning Champions and Stars
Danielle Collins returns as the defending champion, bringing the momentum of last year's historic win and subsequent success. Her victory marked the beginning of a remarkable 15-match winning streak, culminating in another championship at Charleston. Another returning star, Petra Kvitova, makes her comeback after maternity leave. As a wild card entry, Kvitova looks to regain her form following childbirth, adding a poignant chapter to her storied career.
Victoria Azarenka, a three-time Miami champion, remains a formidable presence in the field. With titles from 2009, 2011, and 2016, she shares third place for the most Miami Open singles victories alongside Venus Williams. Their achievements pale only in comparison to Serena Williams' eight titles and Stefanie Graf's five. This convergence of past champions and emerging talents creates a dynamic stage where history meets ambition. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate which narratives will define this year's edition of the Miami Open.
In a surprising turnaround, the Trump administration reinstated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to the University of Maine System (UMS), reversing an earlier decision to suspend it. This resolution occurred after Republican Senator Susan Collins intervened and communicated with the administration. The controversy arose due to concerns regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports programs, leading to a compliance review by the USDA. However, with the restoration of federal support, essential programs at Maine universities, including research initiatives and 4-H activities, can now continue without disruption.
The saga began when the USDA announced a compliance review of the University of Maine System on February 22. This action was prompted by allegations that the system violated Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funds. The dispute escalated following a tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills at the White House on February 21. During this encounter, Trump warned Mills about potential repercussions if Maine schools permitted transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. In response, Mills boldly stated, “We’ll see you in court.” Consequently, the USDA initiated the compliance review, citing Maine's disregard for an executive order banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
Senator Susan Collins played a pivotal role in resolving the issue. Her office reported that the change resulted from direct consultations with the Trump administration. Initially, the pause in funding affected all eight public colleges within the UMS, pending an investigation into whether allowing transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams constituted a violation of federal civil rights laws. With millions of dollars at stake, the restoration of USDA funding is a significant relief for the university system and its affiliated programs.
Beyond the immediate implications for the University of Maine, the reinstatement of USDA funding has broader ramifications for Maine's agricultural, aquaculture, and forestry industries. Programs supported by these funds include vital research efforts and community outreach initiatives like 4-H and the University of Maine’s Tick Lab. Senator Collins emphasized the importance of this funding, noting its critical role not only for the university but also for farmers, loggers, and others involved in Maine’s key industries. Governor Janet Mills echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude towards Senator Collins for her efforts and acknowledging the benefits this decision brings to students, faculty, and the state’s economy.
As the dust settles on this contentious episode, both Senator Collins and Governor Mills have praised the outcome. While the USDA has yet to comment officially on the reversal of the funding freeze, the resolution allows the University of Maine System to resume its crucial work. This decision underscores the significance of collaboration between government officials to ensure continuity in vital educational and community programs, benefiting countless individuals across the state of Maine.