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Promote Healthier Beverages in Health Care
Across the country, the health care community is taking steps to eliminate sugary beverages and increase access to tap water within their facilities. By signing the pledge, you will join with the hospitals, health care professionals and health advocates nationwide who are addressing one of the primary contributors to obesity and related diseases.
>> SIGN THE PLEDGE
More Facts:
- In the past 30 years, U.S. obesity rates have doubled among adults and tripled among children.
- The consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and gout.
- Between 2000 and 2010 an average of 2.55 million acres of corn, roughly 2.5 times the size of the state of Rhode Island, were grown each year just to produce high fructose corn syrup.
- Read more about these recommendations and additional resources are outlined in Hydrate for Health
A few ways to take action...
Drink Up: Promoting Access to Water in Your Hospital
Provide “sips” of educational information on:
- Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: cost savings and environmental benefits.
- The impacts of bottled water on both health and the environment.
Cafeterias
- Increase the number of filtered tap water stations available.
- Provide easy access and clear signage to water fountains and dispensers
- Provide an incentive one day per week (Water Wednesdays) by offering a meal discount to those who utilize a reusable water bottle on their tray.
Catering
- Offer water infused or garnished with citrus slices or herbs in large dispensers
- Serve ice and water in pitchers at meeting with reusable drinking glasses or compostable cups.
Patient Trays
- Use filtered tap water with reusable cups instead of bottled water on patient trays.