The three top soft-drink companies in the nation have agreed to voluntarily take their non-nutritional sugary drinks out of schools. It may be a largely symbolic action, but it's an important one nonetheless.

It's symbolic because kids will certainly still have access to sugary drinks outside of school as well as a host of other obesity-encouraging foods. But at least schools will be doing their part to promote healthier lifestyles. Why shouldn't schools set high standards in nutrition -- even if parents don't always follow through?

Soft drinks, with an average of 10 teaspoons of sugar per can, are a major contributor to childhood obesity -- not to mention tooth decay. About 17 percent of U.S. children are overweight, and that's taking a toll on the health of children. Children with excess pounds are at risk of diabetes, asthma and hypertension.

Overweight children often become overweight adults, suffering an array of maladies including heart and kidney disease, orthopedic problems and early onset osteoporosis. The obesity epidemic also has a tremendously negative impact on overall health-care costs.

Advertisement

That's why the soft drink initiative is good news. Promoting healthy habits at a young age could help stem the nation's obesity epidemic.

The initiative will be phased in over four years to allow existing soda contracts to expire. The deal will get rid of almost all soft drinks from elementary and middle schools. In high schools, only diet and low-calorie sodas, teas and sports drinks will be allowed, as long as they don't exceed 100 calories per bottle.

The deal was brokered by former President Clinton through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a collaboration between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association. The participating companies include Coca-Cola, Pepsico and Cadbury Schweppes.

Schools, of course, could take a few more steps. Improvement is needed in school lunches, which tend to be too high in fat and cholesterol and too low in healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Schools also need to get rid of fatty snacks in vending machines.

Schools also need to give students plenty of opportunity for exercise through recess in the early grades and physical education in the upper grades. Communities have to do their part as well, providing plenty of playgrounds, recreational places and programs for young people.

Repeated studies have found, of course, that parents are the most important factor when it comes to fighting childhood obesity and unhealthy eating habits. Perhaps parents will be inspired by the good things happening in public schools.