Say No to Pop! Evanston Wants You to 'ReThink Your Drink'

EVANSTON, IL - Having already been ahead of the game when it comes to limiting access to tobacco-related products, Evanston is now putting its health focus on convincing people to switch from sugary drinks to water.

Sugary drinks like pop or soda are full of chemicals and cause bloat, while water is refreshing and the most healthy way to hydrate.

That’s the premise behind the “ReThink Your Drink” campaign, an effort of the city and NorthShore University HealthSystem aimed to help Evanstonians sip their way to a better health.

The campaign will kick off at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 21 at the Morton Civic Center.

Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Health and Human Services Director Evonda Thomas-Smith, NorthShore University HealthSystem pediatrician Lynn Chehab, MD will join business and civic leaders and “raise glasses of delicious fruit-infused or herb-infused water and pledge to drink more water and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages,” according to a city news release.

“This is such an important issue. There is no doubt that the over-consumption of refined sugars contributes to a whole host of serious health problems” said Chehab, who will present her “Sugar Show” during the campaign opening event. “We want to make people aware of this and also let them know there are fun and tasty alternatives to sugary drinks.”

Residents are welcome to join in the toast.