Colored dots warn against sugary beverages at hospital

Jan. 23—In an attempt to decrease the sale of sodas and other sugar-infused refreshments at St. John’s Medical Center, in Jackson, Wy., by 20 percent this year, beverages in the Refuge Grill are now labeled with colored stickers indicating how healthy they are, said Bonnie Maddex, a registered dietician at St. John’s.

A green smiley face means a drink has less than 6 grams of sugar per 12 ounces of liquid. That category usually includes only water, soda water and skim milk.

Most soda and sports drinks receive a red sticker, meaning sugar content is above 12 grams. Yellow means the drink’s sugar content falls somewhere in the middle.