Hard on health

In the past, cold drinks were served only on special occasions. Parents would give other items like fresh juices or milkshakes to their children and would avoid giving them soft drinks. But, today, cold drinks are easily available at every shop, letting children of all ages to buy them. What parents do not understand is that soft drinks pose a health hazard. Apart from having a negative effect on a child’s physical health – weight gain or tooth decay etc. – these cold drinks also affect a child’s mental health, causing various behavioural issues. In today’s age, cold drinks have nearly replaced water. Many children drink cold drinks along with their meals.

Parents should recognise the fact that cold drinks contain high amount of sugar which is indeed injurious to health. This is also the main reason why the number of people suffering from diabetes has increased in the recent past. The excessive use of cold drinks can also lead to kidney failure and can weaken the immune system. Although the Punjab government took an initiative to ban cold drinks in schools, more needs to be done to prevent children from drinking them. It is also the responsibility of parents to keep their children away from cold drinks by making fresh juices for them. In addition, the media should run awareness campaigns and broadcast children programmes through which children can be advised to avoid drinking cold drinks.

Arfa Rabail

Islamabad