Information Resources
By Evelyn Cunico, MA, MS LIS
Health Science Communications
Posted April 28, 2022
Rethink Your Drink
Rethink Your Drink is a message from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that alerts you to learn more about how to stay healthy by drinking water, while limiting sugary drinks.
People who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as dental cavities, heart disease, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.
How to Rethink Your Drink
- Add a splash of 100 percent juice to plain sparkling water.
- Carry with you a refillable bottle of tap water, instead of sugary drinks.
- Choose drinks that are low in calories, added sugars, and saturated fat.
- Do not stock up on sugary drinks. Keep a jug or bottles of water in the fridge.
- Drink low-fat milk or 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice.
- When ordering away from home, ask for almond or soy milk alternatives.
Read the Nutrition Facts Label
The Nutrition Facts Label from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reflects updated scientific information about the link between diet and disease, such as obesity and heart disease. You can read the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods and drinks.
Read the ingredients list of your favorite beverage, to find if you are drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage. The list may include one or more of the following sweeteners.
- Corn syrup
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Fruit juice concentrates
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Honey
- Sucrose
- Sugar
- Syrup
Break the habit of drinking sugary drinks. Drink water for a refreshing, calorie-free drink!
For more information, please see the following Selected Information Resources
Disclaimer: Information in this blog should not replace the medical advice of your doctor. You should not use this information to diagnose or to treat any disease or other health condition without first consulting with your medical doctor or other healthcare provider.
Selected Information Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. Water and Healthier Drinks. Benefits of Drinking Water
Summary Note: Discusses why it is important to drink water every day to hydrate your body, clear your mind, and stabilize your mood. Includes tips on how to drink more water. Also discusses healthy drink options, besides water.
(Accessed 2022 April 24)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rethink Your Drink
Summary Note: Includes ways to Rethink Your Drink. Explains why you should be concerned about sugary drinks. Discusses how to tell whether your drink is sweetened. Includes links to information about how to make better beverage choices.
(Accessed 2022 April 24)
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Encyclopedia. Patient Instructions. Calorie Count Sodas and Energy Drinks.
Summary Note: National Library of Medicine suggests limiting sugary drinks that contain little or no nutrients. View calorie counts of popular sodas and energy drinks to choose which drinks to avoid or limit. Sources include Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(Accessed 2022 April 24)
Nemours KidsHealth. Why Drinking Water is the Way to Go
Summary Note: Website on children’s health and development explains why all persons, plants, and animals need water. Medical doctor reminds kids to keep that water bottle handy, because water is refreshing, keeps the body hydrated, and contains no calories. Date reviewed March 2022 by Mary L. Gavin, M.D.
(Accessed 2022 April 28)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label.
Summary Note: The Nutrition Facts Label
was changed in 2016 to reflect updated scientific information, including information about the link between diet and chronic diseases, such as obesity and heart disease.
(Accessed 2022 April 26)
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