THE revelation that excessive consumption of yaqona is one of the leading causes of stroke in the country is a concern.
Counterstroke Fiji has made the revelation.
It is interesting to note that the common drink consumed by many Fijians, is also among the leading contributors of the high mortality rate in the country.
Counterstroke Fiji physiotherapist Lusiana Aca said the consumption of too much yaqona with chaser (which includes snacks and candies) was the leading cause of stroke in the country.
Snacking while drinking yaqona and alcohol, she said, could be one of the leading causes of stroke.
She said the youngest person in Fiji to have a stroke was a 12-year-old.
Stroke, she said, could happen to anyone.
Mrs Aca said Fiji needed to pay close attention to unhealthy eating habits and move closer towards a healthier lifestyle.
Fijians, she said, needed to be watchful of their fast lifestyle and its unhealthy habits as in eating wrongly or in drinking the wrong choices of drinks.
She said stroke could also be caused by stressful work habits.
The revelation should inch out a sense of appreciation of the negative impact of habits surrounding the consumption of yaqona.
It may not attract attention at first. However, it must be an important consideration for us all.
Consumption of yaqona, without a doubt, is overwhelming.
It is a habit around the country that has developed over the years.
There are sceptics who may insist that yaqona consumption should not really be sidelined altogether.
Perhaps they have a point.
There may be sceptics who will insist the consumption of yaqona should be used only for special occasions and should not be blamed for the all the negative reviews.
The revelation, however, must be ample notice for us to relook at how we consume this drink.
It must ensure we are proactive and embrace the need to be careful and mindful of the negative consequences of overindulging in this traditional brew.
It may be difficult for many people to take positive action to reduce their consumption.
But the revelation certainly should force a rethink for many of us.
The important thing is that we have been warned. It pays to heed advice.
