“Rethink Your Drink” Launched as New Health Initiative at DSU

The Delaware Center for Health Promotion, based at DSU, and Kent Kids, a local advocate coalition for the well-being of children and their families, have jointly launched a campaign to get people to “Rethink Your Drink” and curb the consumption of sugary beverages.

Kicked off on May 11 during a media event in the MLK Jr. Student Center, the campaign urges Kent County residents to take the “Rethink Your Drink Pledge," a 30-day challenge during which they commit to eliminate or drink fewer sugary beverages. The goal of this campaign is to educate residents about these beverages and encourage healthier choices, like water. 

“This is an exciting step in the right direction to reduce overweight and obesity rates in Kent County," said Marianne Carter, registered dietitian and director of the Delaware Center for Health Promotion at DSU.  "Most sugary beverages contain little to no nutritional value, yet they provide lots of excess calories."

The campaign has been launched against a backdrop of six consecutive years that Kent County is rated the least healthy county in Delaware. Based on a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, the ranking is caused in part by Kent County’s obesity rate, which is higher than the state average.

Regular consumption of sugary beverages (e.g. regular soda, fruit punch and sports drinks) has been linked to obesity, especially in children.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, one-half of Americans now drink sugary beverages daily.  An average 20-oz. soda contains 16 teaspoons of sugar and 240 calories.

Kent Kids, a coalition of partner agencies from across the state that advocates for the health and well-being of children and their families in the county, has given the campaign its support. 

"The Rethink Your Drink Campaign fits right in with our vision.  This small change toward healthier beverages can have a big impact on our residents’ health,"  said Kate Layton, Kent Kids' acting president.

The campaign also has been endorsed by the local county government. Kent County Levy Court recently passed a resolution affirming its support for the initiative.

Funding for the campaign was made available by Nemours Health and Prevention Services.

Learn more about Kent Kids, the “Rethink Your Drink” campaign and the 30-day pledge by visiting the Kent Kids website at www.KentKidsDE.org.