Oftentimes, a neighbour of mine would buy sachets of alcohol and come to my side to ask the usual question, "Are you going to drink?", while handing me one or two sachets of the alcohol.
"No, I have told you already; these things do not interest me, and it is not like I consider it a sin, in case you want to navigate to that area." That would be my regular response, and he would then begin his sermon on how alcohol is good for the body as a man and should be taken regularly.
On a truthful note, I do not despise people who take alcohol, even to the point of getting drunk, and the same thing is applicable to people who love the intake of sugary things. I feel we all know what is good for us and should stop taking what will eventually lead us to death.
However, these two substances are not bad if taken moderately. The real issue has been the way people abuse their intake, even when they are fully aware of the health issues involved.
From what I have seen (not read), I think sugar has a more deadly effect than alcohol. It is just that the reaction of alcohol comes instantly, makes people lose control, and only seldom kills. Sugar, on the other hand, destroys life gradually without the victim knowing, and it only manifests physically when the body system has already been severely damaged.
I feel that, for health considerations, sugar checks should match the way alcohol is checked. Sensitisation should also be taken to its peak.
Sugar is deadly. It causes even more harm than alcohol and should be checked, please!
Unfortunately, it is difficult to control because, even till today, a large number of people do not believe that sugar can cause them harm. They believe that sicknesses associated with sugar are hereditary, and that is a lie. When one gives in to excessive sugar intake without control, danger is surely looming at the end.
If it cannot be controlled the same way the government tackles alcohol intake, then rugged sensitisation should be carried out and extended to everyone, including those in rural areas. Typical examples of sicknesses caused by sugar should be used as a means of reaching out as well.
Currently, there has been an enforcement of law in Nigeria to stop the sale and production of sachet alcohols because that is one of the major ways people easily fall into alcoholism. I wish the same approach could be used in fighting sugar and the sicknesses it brings.
But how would that be done? Should companies be stopped from selling sugary foods, or should they be instructed to reduce the sugar content in their products? Honestly, it is not going to be easy at all. It can only work through sensitisation, after which everyone will be left to choose the life they want to live.
Even so, this has also been the case with alcohol. The difference is that alcohol causes danger to society more quickly and more visibly.
Thanks for reading
This is my entry to Week 203, Edition 01 of the Weekly Featured contest in Hive Learners Community
The Image used is mine