Prioritize your Health this Festive Season: Ghana NCD Alliance urges wise Food Choices

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. Yet, it is also a period when unhealthy indulgences can lead to serious health problems. The Ghana NCD Alliance is calling on the public to embrace healthy lifestyles during this festive period to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In a statement released on Sunday, the Alliance revealed that NCDs, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases, are increasing at an alarming rate in Ghana. These diseases they noted are largely driven by unhealthy habits such as physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diets.

According to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, NCDs pose a critical challenge to global development due to their economic impact, threatening efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.

During the festive season, the demand for ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, trans fats, and fizzy drinks tend to surge. While these items are often part of holiday traditions, they significantly increase the risk of weight gain, obesity, and other health issues. Parents play a vital role in protecting their children by avoiding unhealthy feeding practices. Replacing sugary treats with fruits, vegetables, and nuts can not only safeguard children’s health but also enhance their cognitive development and well-being.

The Alliance is advising the public to make wise decisions that protect their health. Impulsive spending on unhealthy cravings often leads to long-term health and financial burdens. Vulnerable groups, in particular, suffer most from unhealthy habits, as the costs of treating NCD-related illnesses can push them further into poverty. The festive season should not be a time to let our guard down; instead, it should be an opportunity to make healthier dietary choices.

Manufacturers of unhealthy products often capitalize on the season by promoting their goods to maximize profits at the expense of public health. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and not fall for marketing gimmicks that encourage the consumption of harmful products.

By incorporating fruits and vegetables into family meals, families can avoid future healthcare expenses and improve overall well-being. Offering children healthier alternatives to sugary snacks and drinks can prevent unhealthy weight gain and support their growth and development.

The statement noted that through conscious choices, the risk of NCDs can be reduced, leading to better health and well-being. “Let’s make this holiday season not only joyous but also a healthy one, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.”

By Evelyn Naadu Borquaye || ghananewsonline.com.gh