x

Expert: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increase High BP Risk Among Children, Adolescents

Dr. Francis Fagbule, a public health consultant at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has identified sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), commonly known as soft drinks, as major contributors to the rising risk of high blood pressure (HBP) among children and adolescents in Nigeria.

Speaking on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a journalism training session on ‘Effective SSBs Tax and Industry Monitoring,’ organized by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Fagbule highlighted the significant increase in high blood pressure cases in Nigeria over the last two decades. He noted a 5% increase in urban areas and a 2% rise in rural areas.

In her welcome address, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the growing public health concern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, both globally and in Nigeria. Represented by Dr. Ifeoma Nwadiuto, Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Oreh revealed that NCDs account for 30% of annual deaths in the country.

Oreh stated, “Non-communicable diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases have become a public health concern globally and across the nation. A staggering 41 million people are lost to NCDs annually, with NCD deaths in Nigeria accounting for 30% of annual deaths.”

She stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of these preventable illnesses, noting that NCDs often result from long-term effects of unhealthy lifestyles and diets. “Sugar-sweetened beverages or carbonated drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar. This sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels, which is a risk factor for numerous health problems including obesity and other NCDs,” Oreh explained.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Vetty Agala, acting executive secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Program (RIVCHPP), stated that addressing the issue of sugar-sweetened beverages could significantly reduce the country’s annual death toll by 30%.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Arokodare Scores as Super Eagles Hold Russia to 1-1 Draw

Tolu Arokodare opened his Super Eagles goal account as...

Strong Capital Market Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NGX Chairman

Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr. Umaru...

Veteran Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Dies at 95

Renowned highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, famed for...

Eid-el-Kabir: Northern CAN Greets Muslims, Urges Govt Action on Security

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Sultan Commends Sokoto Governor for Delegating Authority to Deputy

The Sultan of Sokoto and spiritual leader of Nigeria’s...

Eid Mubarak: NUJ FCTA Chapel Felicitates with Muslim Journalists, Prays for Peace and Unity

By Joyce Babayeju As Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the...

Eid-El-Kabir: Fatimah Observes Prayers with Kogites in Eika Ohizenyi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Commissioner for Women...

Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais Passes Away at 89

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img