The Senior Midwifery Officer of the Tema General Hospital, Mrs Mary Amoadua, has cautioned children against the excessive intake of sugary products.
She said although children needed sugar to help in their growth process, too much of it was not good for their health.
Mrs Amoadua, who was speaking to the Junior Graphic, said when children prepare a beverage like Milo they do not need to add any sugar; they might choose to put only one cube of sugar into it.
She said the negative effects of consuming so much sugar among children included obesity and hyperactivity which could cause restlessness and tooth decay, adding that: “If care is not taken, you can activate the diabetes hidden in you.”
Mrs Amoadua advised parents to take keen interest in what their children consume, especially sugary food.
“I will advise children to eat fruits which have natural sweeteners and are less harmful. Brown sugar, honey and other natural forms of sweeteners can also be taken,” she said.
She advised children to burn a lot of fat by engaging in exercises and sporting activities to stay healthy.
Staying indoors to watch television and play computer games, she said, were not the best for children.
