Together We Can!: Why Is Drinking Water Important To Our Health?

Together we can!
Obesity is one of the worlds leading problems in youth health. It is

scientifically proven that one of the main causes of childhood obesity is
the amount of sugary drinks that our kids consume. As a student I know
how hard it is to make the healthy choice, but we should not be making
it even harder by having a tax on bottled water. Water is essential to life,
no matter what form.
Tap water is by far the cheapest, safest, and most accessible alternative
to sugary drinks that hurt our health. For many families, though, bottled
water is their main source of drinking water. In all its forms, whether
from the tap, the fountain, or a bottle, water should be highly accessible,
affordable, and tax-free.
Maryland is one of only four states that taxes bottled water at a higher rate than other essential
groceries, such as milk and bread. Our tax code should not discourage water consumption. It is essential
to life.
Why is drinking water important to our health?

At birth, babies are made up of 75% water. By the time we die, most adults are only 50% water. Water is
important to the proper functioning of our bodies and every organ system within (The Universe Within:
the Deep History of the Human Body, 2013). Water is the only liquid nutrient that is essential for your
bodys hydration. All cells and organs need water to function in the human body (CDC, 2011). The
Institute of Medicine recommends that an adequate intake of water for men is roughly about 15 cups of
total beverages a day, and about 11 cups for women. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, decreased
energy levels, poor physical coordination, and impaired mental performance (United States Department
of Agriculture, 2014). Water is a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. The Institute of Medicine
attributes 20% of the nations weight increase between 1977 and 2007 to consumption of sugary
drinks, including regular soda, sugar-added juices, flavored waters and teas, sports drinks, and energy
drinks (Institute of Medicine, 2012). Drinking just one 8-oz sugary drink per day increases a childs
odds of becoming obese by 60% (Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, 2012). Sugary drinks
contribute more calories and added sugars to our diets than any other food or beverage and daily
consumption is strongly linked to higher childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes rates (Institute of
Medicine, 2012).
The health choice NEEDS to be the affordable choice!

In addition to hydrating the body, water also flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your
cells, protects body organs and tissues, helps prevent constipation, lubricates joints, regulates body
temperature and provides a moist environment for ear, nose, and throat tissues (CDC, 2012). Studies in
healthy adults show that even mild dehydration impairs a number of important aspects of cognitive
function such as concentration, alertness, and short-term memory (Nutrition Reviews, 2005).
Studies prove that this change needs to happen

Only 72% of high school students nationwide drank a serving of water daily (Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report, 2010). Sugary drink intake is associated with long-term change in body fat in children,
and replacing sugary drinks with water or milk is inversely associated with body fat development
(Nutrition Journal, 2014). Replacing all sugary drinks with drinking water was associated with a
predicted mean decrease in total energy of 200 calories/day over 12 months. The results suggest that
replacing sugary drinks with drinking water can help lower total calories in overweight consumers
(Obesity, 2007). A prospective study of 82,900 women (Nurses Health Study II) estimated that the
replacement of one serving of sugary drinks and fruit juices per day by one cup of plain water per day
was associated with a 7% (modest) lower risk of type 2 diabetes (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
2007). A study of Lower Mississippi Delta adults concluded that replacing sugary drinks with water could
substantially improve the diet quality of the population and potentially lead to significant weight loss
over time. Prioritizing intervention efforts to focus on the replacement of sugary drinks with water may
be the most efficacious approach for conveying potentially substantial health benefits in this and similar
disadvantaged populations (Food Nutrition Review, 2011). Water consumed before a meal has been
found to reduce caloric intake among non-obese older adults. In a small study of overweight and obese
older adults, meal caloric intake was significantly less (by 13%) when subjects had water before the
meal, compared to when they had no water prior to the meal (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics, 2008).
Points we need to make clear!
The Water Affordability Act helps ensure that healthy beverage choices are widely
available, accessible, and affordable.
By wide margins, Marylanders support this smart, effective and evidenced-based policy
to push back against the increasing rates of childhood obesity and teenage diabetes.
Drinking water is essential to life. In all its forms, whether from the tap, the fountain, or a
bottle, water should be highly accessible, affordable, and tax-free.
Tap water is by far the cheapest, safest, and most accessible alternative to the sugary
drinks that harm our children. But for many families, bottled water is their main source of
drinking water. Our tax code should not discourage water consumption.
A solid body of evidence points to sugary drinks as the prime culprit in diseases such as
childhood obesity and teen diabetes, both of which are on the rise. It is important that
drinking water, the healthiest alternative, also be the most accessible and affordable
choice.
As our poll results indicate, the public strongly supports removing the sales tax on
bottled water. Nearly 80% of Marylanders believe that drinking water should be tax-free.
By wide margins, Marylanders support this smart, effective and evidenced-based policy
to push back against the increasing rates of childhood obesity and teenage diabetes.
We need you!
Weve given you reasoning, weve given you facts, and god has given you common sense. Sign this
petition to push our legislators to remove the 6% sales tax off of bottled water, and help end
childhood obesity today!
We are Sugar Free Kids Maryland, you are you, and together we will make a great team to end the
epidemic!

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Together we can!

Obesity is one of the worlds leading problems in youth health. It is

Why is drinking water important to our health?

The health choice NEEDS to be the affordable choice!

Studies prove that this change needs to happen

Points we need to make clear!

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