The truth about what's in our food

Dr. Robert Lustig The foods we put into our bodies can have lifelong implications, according to a pediatrician and college professor who will speak at 7 p.m. Wed., April 4 in room G-9 at Oak Park High School.

Dr. Robert H. Lustig, professor of clinical pediatrics at UCSF Children's Hospital, will discuss "The Trouble with Fructose," a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, including juice and sports drinks.

The talk is part of a free ongoing speaker series sponsored by the Oak Park Unified School District Wellness Council.

Lustig has conducted scientific research on the "fructosification" of Americans' diets, how fructose undermines the hormonal system that regulates eating, leading to obesity, liver damage and various disorders, even in young children. Lustig is a member of the Obesity Task Force of the Endocrine Society and the American Heart Association.

"We've invited Dr. Lustig here to share his research because this is part of our mission, to educate parents and kids," said Nicole Johnson, Wellness Council member. "We need to understand what we're putting in our bodies. We wouldn't want to unknowingly put something harmful into our children's bodies."

For information, contact Johnson on the Internet at nickijohnson@sbcglobal.net.

- Sophia Fischer