An Associate Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Reginald Adjetey Annan, is passionate about promoting child health and well-being.
Addressing children workers of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Wednesday, he urged teachers to play a pivotal role in advocating for children’s health.
Prof. Annan drew inspiration from Proverbs 11:1, which states, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” He interprets this biblical wisdom as a call to maintain balance in all aspects of life, including health. According to him, God desires the well-being of His people, both in spirit and body.
The esteemed lecturer acknowledged that unhealthy lifestyles can significantly affect individuals. He specifically highlighted the role of processed and ultra-processed foods in disrupting metabolism. These dietary choices contribute to lifestyle diseases, affecting both children and adults.
Prof. Annan emphasised the importance of limiting screen time for children. ‘Excessive hours spent watching television or using phones can have adverse effects on children’s health,’ he said.
Instead, he encouraged parents and teachers to engage children in physical activities for at least six hours a day.
Concerned about childhood obesity, Prof. Annan advised parents and teachers to be cautious about the sugary drinks they provide to children, saying, ‘Sugar consumption is a major contributor to obesity.’ He recommended opting for water as a healthier alternative.
Prof. Annan pointed out that global causes of death have shifted dramatically as natural causes no longer dominate mortality statistics.
To make informed dietary choices, Prof. Annan encouraged Ghanaians to read food labels diligently, saying, ‘Awareness of ingredients and nutritional content empowers individuals to prioritize health.’
Prof. Annan underscored the importance of both prayer and knowledge. While faith is essential, he urged participants to also seek evidence-based information.
‘A holistic approach to health involves combining spiritual beliefs with practical understanding,’ he concluded.
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