National Movement Against Sugary Drinks Gains Internet Presence With Launch of Kick the Can

DAVIS, CA--(Marketwire -02/02/12)- Parents, teens, communities and health advocates fed up with the beverage industry's runaway marketing of sugary drinks now have a place to gather, collect insights and mobilize efforts against the most prominent contributor to the nation's obesity epidemic. Launched today, KickTheCan.info is the go-to source for those who want to learn the truth about sugary drinks and how to fight back against the beverage industry and all their liquid sugar.

"When you take an honest look at the causes of the obesity epidemic, there's one factor that blows the doors off all others -- soda consumption," said Dr. Harold Goldstein, executive director of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. "It used to be downright un-American to speak up against the beverage industry, but that's changing. We invite people from around the country to join the national movement to Kick the Can and give sugary drinks the boot."

Designed to bring together like-minded people across the nation, KickTheCan.info is home base for a national movement challenging the power of pop. Visitors can access a variety of information and advocacy tools, including:

• The most current information about the negative health effects of sugary drinks
• Sample beverage policies
• A map showing anti-sugary drink campaigns around the country
• Anti-sugary drink campaign materials
• Links to key reports, studies and media coverage
• A summary of beverage industry marketing strategies and their responses to public health efforts to reduce consumption

Visitors can also participate by posting videos, photos and comments to describe their frustration with the ubiquity of sugary drinks, showcase over-the-top advertising and highlight local campaign successes to inspire others to change the beverage world in which they live.

Kick the Can is a project of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that raises awareness about critical public health issues and mobilizes communities to promote the establishment of effective state and local health policies.

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