It is frightening to know that many of my favourite local drinks contain nearly as much sugar as a can of Coca-Cola ("Beware the sugar content in your favourite drink"; Feb 20).

The consequences of the overconsumption of sugar include health problems such as cardiovascular disease, which can lead to earlier death.

We should ask for less sugar or condensed milk when ordering sweetened drinks, or simply do without sugar altogether.

But this good habit cannot be developed overnight.

Schools should conduct health talks to educate young people on the consequences of consuming excessive sugar and give tips on how to gradually reduce sugar intake. The good habits students pick up from these lessons will eventually become routine and they should have fewer health problems in the future.

Britney Louise Choo, 15, Secondary 4 student