A Family Physician Specialist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Abena Tannor, has warned Ghanaians against consuming fizzy drinks, describing them as nutrient-free and linked to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

Speaking on Luv in the Morning, Dr Tannor emphasised that good health goes beyond diet and exercise, highlighting the importance of stress management, mental well-being, and lifestyle choices that promote overall wellness.

“Fizzy drinks are just a mixture of colour, sugar, and water with no nutritional value. They contribute to diseases such as diabetes,” she said, recommending homemade natural fruit juices as healthier alternatives.

The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons Fellow also cautioned against the frequent use of artificial seasoning cubes, commonly added to enhance flavour in Ghanaian dishes. She advised replacing these with natural spices such as onion, ginger, and cloves to reduce health risks.

Dr Tannor explained that adopting a healthy lifestyle may seem costly at first, but it is ultimately more economical than managing illnesses caused by unhealthy habits.

On stress management, she highlighted the importance of adequate rest, noting that poor sleep can contribute to headaches, high blood pressure, and joint pains. She recommended that adults aged 30 to 60 aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, urging that “this should become a regular habit.”

She further stressed the need for Ghanaians to prioritise their health in 2026, reminding listeners, “The world will continue in our absence, so we must make health a priority.”

Her advice comes at the start of the new year, a period when many people make resolutions to improve their health, underscoring the ongoing relevance of preventive measures in reducing the country’s burden of lifestyle-related diseases.