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First Lady Encourages Americans To Drink Up For Health

drinking-fountain

First lady Michelle Obama has launched a new campaign called Drink Up! as part of her Let's Move! initiative. At a gathering in aptly-named Watertown, Wis., Obama announced she's hoping to get Americans to drink more water.

Drowned Out



The Drink up! campaign comes with its own catchy slogan, website and Twitter hashtag (#DrinkH20). What it doesn't come with, however, are specifics regarding just how much more water we should drink and why?

Obama's advisors have quoted research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)Â that detail the dangers of low hydration and show that more than 40 percent of Americans drink 3 cups of water per day or less.

However, the CDC hasn't defined exactly what the recommended daily amount is, as this varies person-to-person depending on factors such as age and exercise.

Water And Health



So does more water equal drinking water instead of other beverages, like soda?

The Drink up! campaign stops short of saying that.

President and CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America Lawrence Soler said, "It's less a public health campaign than a campaign to encourage drinking more water. To that end, we're being completely positive. Only encouraging people to drink water; not being negative about other drinks."

Food advocate Marion Nestle says she understands that the Let's Move! initiative can't simply come right out and say "don't drink soda" when major supporters include the American Beverage Association.

Read More:



  • Michelle Obama 'Drink Up' Campaign: First Lady Wants People To Drink More Water (Huffington Post)
  • Michelle Obama to splash media with new issue: Drink more water (Washington Post)
  • Why 'Drink More Water'? (The Atlantic)


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