To the editor:

The American Academy of Pediatrics has taken the position that soda vending machines in schools can contribute to potential health problems with one out of every six children already meeting the criteria for being overweight. Sugar consumption by schoolchildren in the United States far exceeds levels set by the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released figures showing that obesity will soon overtake smoking as the No. 1 cause of preventable disease.

Why then do Lawrence schools advocate promotion of soft drink vending machines and consider cutting back on physical education classes? Is there really a price we can put on the health of our children?

Peter Kimble,

Lawrence