Michelle Obama wants people to drink more plain water

Thursday, September 12, 2013

First lady Michelle Obama speaks on health insurance reform and its impact on women and families, Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius listens at right. (AP Photo / Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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michelle obama, water, u.s. & world news

DARLENE SUPERVILLE

WASHINGTON -- Michelle Obama has pushed America to eat healthier and to exercise more. Now she says we should "drink up" too. As in plain water. And as in more of it.

She's getting behind a campaign being announced Thursday by the Partnership for a Healthier America to encourage people to drink more water.

Organizers say too many people don't drink enough water daily and about one-fourth of kids below age 19 don't drink any water at all on any given day.

The first lady launched an initiative in 2010 to tackle childhood obesity. In the past, she has advocated switching from sugary sodas to water. But officials behind this new effort say it's strictly about getting people to drink more water - not about promoting water over other beverages.