KC children's hospital bans soda and sugary juices

Nov. 6—A Kansas City children's hospital has announced plans to ban sales of soda and sugar-filled juices from its cafeteria, gift shop and vending machines in a bid to fight childhood obesity.

Officials at Children's Mercy Hospital said the ban will take effect in January.

Karen Cox, the hospital's executive vice president, said employees and visitors will be able to bring in their own sugary drinks, but that the drinks won't be sold at the hospital. Children's Mercy is the first hospital in the Kansas City metro region to implement such a ban, according to hospital administrators.