NUTRITION
Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes
Regarding “Study: Kids don’t need sports drinks” (Living, June 1), we agree that energy drinks and sports drinks are very different beverage choices. Sports drinks, however, have a long history of scientific research showing their benefits for hydration (which is necessary for overall health and wellness). Sports drinks can help replenish necessary electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are lost during exercise, or in the heat.
Your readers should know of the significant changes that have been made to the school beverage landscape. Last year, we announced the successful implementation of national School Beverage Guidelines. The guidelines aided in removing full-calorie soft drinks from schools and replacing them with more lower-calorie, smaller-portion beverage choices. There has been an 88 percent reduction in beverage calories shipped to schools nationwide since 2004.
Kevin Perry, executive director, Georgia Beverage Association
NORTH KOREA
Would be unwise to aid military dictatorship
The United Nations and other organizations are reporting an impending crisis in North Korea unless they receive massive inputs of aid. As usual, it’s the United States they are looking to.
I am as humane as anyone (especially when it comes to providing necessities of life such as food and medicine). However, I question why we would supply any aid to a government that has used its resources to build up one of the largest armies in the world instead of building up its economy. I also question why China, from whom we buy billions of dollars in goods each year, doesn’t come to the aid of its ally.
Let’s not assist in the build-up of the North Korean military (who we might have to fight again someday). Let China spend some of their American dollars to help their ally.
W. E. Stavro, Suwanee
TRANSPORTATION
Toll roads are a scourge on the public
Regarding “Ga. toll project hits financial roadblock” (Metro, June 2), I say, “Good.” I spent 14 horrendous years in New Jersey, where you cannot get anywhere without driving on a toll road. Toll roads are everywhere in New England. They are a scourge on the public. Georgia should never build a new toll road.
I am all for expanding our traffic infrastructure to relieve traffic congestion. I am against funding these projects with tolls. Why can’t the DOT fund these projects like every private citizen (should) fund their projects: Save up the money, and when you have the money (and not before), go forward with the project? It will take longer, but if our current national, state and local government debt does not underscore the need for fiscal restraint and reduction of borrowing, what does?
I implore the state of Georgia and the DOT to stop looking at the short-term (five to 10 years), and to start thinking about the long- term impact (10 to 60 years or more) of a toll road decision. Do the fiscally responsible thing: Save the money, earn interest and pay cash. Gregg Olson, Woodstock
