Dr. Efua Commeh, Acting Programmes Manager for Non-Communicable illnesses (NCDs) at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), says sugar consumption has to be controlled since it might lead to non-communicable illnesses.
According to her, children often drink carbonated beverages, in particular, which have extremely high sugar content and can become addicted.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show, Dr. Commeh discussed the risks associated with children ingesting carbonated drinks cautioning that this behavior might result in health problems like juvenile obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.
“Nowadays, children are constantly consuming these sugar-laden drinks, especially the ones packaged in paper cartons. This is a critical age where such habits should not be introduced, and the effects are evident in their blood tests. Elevated cholesterol levels, lipid abnormalities, and rampant childhood obesity are clear indicators,” she explained.
Still on the subject, Dr. Commeh also pointed out a trend in the start of type 2 diabetes, which is impacting a lot of younger people. “People as young as 15 and 16 are increasingly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in adults over 40. This is alarming,”.
Touching on the way forward, Dr. Commeh advised that promoting physical exercise as a natural cure to counter these health hazards is a way to lower the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and some types of cancer. She recommended simple actions such as walking up and down stairs or around a building to break long periods of inactivity.
“Physical activity is like a natural medicine. We must incorporate walking into our daily routines. Not everyone can run or jog, but walking is accessible to most. Many phones have apps that track daily steps. If not, simply make sure to move around every two hours,” she advised.
In addition, Dr. Commeh emphasized the need to understand one’s genetic predispositions by pointing out that a family history of specific diseases might raise an individual’s chance of having non-communicable diseases.
Concluding the session, Dr. Commeh recommended the vital necessity of keeping an eye on sugar intake and engaging in regular exercise to reduce the risk of non-communicable illnesses, especially in youngsters
Source : Joy Online
