Jamaicans urged to join ‘No Sugar Thursdays’ initiative

To combat the expected 'new year surge' in sugar consumption, Just Create Productions JA's Creative Director, Damion Brown, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness' Oral Health Team, has launched the 'No Sugar Thursdays' initiative.

The initiative is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness about the health risks associated with excessive sugar intake. Joining forces with the Jamaica Association of Public Dental Surgeons and the Institute of Dental Consultants, Brown is determined to inspire a shift towards healthier habits.

"The campaign started in October but we increased our advocacy in December, aligning with the festive season. We leveraged social media campaigns to underscore the importance of reducing sugar intake, offering tips and encouraging participants to share their experiences," Brown stated.

The campaign also enlisted the support of Kamila McDonald, noted lifestyle, fitness, and nutrition influencer. McDonald shared easy-to-make recipes and various tips to help persons curb sugar cravings.

"The primary goal of the initiative is to promote healthier habits, fostering a shift towards healthier dietary choices. This will help reduce the risk of dental caries, obesity, diabetes, and other related health issues," Brown added.

Aligning with the 2023 National School Nutrition Policy and Standards draft, the initiative supports restrictions on marketing and access to high-sugar foods and beverages in schools. This move is in tandem with the World Health Organization's (WHO) efforts in documenting the relationship between lifestyle choices and the susceptibility to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The WHO has provided substantial evidence linking unhealthy diets - those high in fat, sugar, and salt, and low in fibre, fruits, and vegetables - and insufficient physical activity to an increased risk of NCDs.

While primarily focused on raising awareness, the campaign also aims to motivate individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, extending beyond the designated Thursdays. When asked about future plans for the initiative, Brown said, "Continuous efforts to promote healthy habits are essential".

"Health is wealth and Jamaicans need to consistently hear this message," he said.

Active participation is encouraged through various channels, including social media sharing with designated hashtags, local event organisation, educational material distribution, and inspiring others to join the initiative.