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Tag: healthy living

  • Firm restates commitment to healthy living

    Firm restates commitment to healthy living

    The Managing Director, GBfoods Nigeria, Vincent Egbe, has restated the company’s commitment to producing innovative solutions that promote the health of its customers as well as redefining their culinary experience.

    Egbe made the commitment in Lagos during the launch of five different products from the stable of the company.

    According to him, the company doesn’t just go out to launch products, it does so after a thorough research into the needs of the consumers.

    “We remain committed to creating solutions that improve lives today and support a sustainable and flavourful future for generations to come.

    Read Also: Lagos advises women to prioritise healthy living

    “Every product we’ve introduced today is a direct response to the needs of Nigerians.

    “Whether it’s helping food vendors save time and cost, or giving families access to affordable, hygienic, nutritious and great-tasting food options, we are innovating with purpose, “ Egbe said.

    Also speaking on the occasion, Marketing Director of GBfoods, Oreoluwa Atinmo,

    Said the company is committed to creating a new flavourful to bring convenience to the consumers.

    “We have launched five great products today, but I am most excited about the   Asun-Flavoured Seasoning Cubes and tomato mix. We are creating a new flavour that was never industrialised to bring intense flavours and convenience to the Nigerian consumer when preparing asun jollof rice, asun pasta and other asun-flavoured inspired dishes.

    “Finally, the relaunch of Jago Mayonnaise was a nostalgic moment, as it brings affordability and quality back to consumers in a smooth, creamy spread tailored to Nigeria’s cost-conscious but quality-loving market,” Atinmo said, adding that they were designed to further bring convenience, flavour, and innovation to home cooks, chefs, food entrepreneurs, and consumers.

    The products include Bama Shawarma Mix, Gino Asun-Flavoured Seasoning Cubes, Gino Asun-Flavoured Tomato Mix, Gino Red Hot Pepper Powder, and the relaunch of Jago Mayonnaise, each representing a blend of innovation, affordability, and local flavour.

    The event saw an exciting convergence of partners, sales distributors, chefs, and food stakeholders, with  brand ambassador, celebrated chef and culinary expert, Hilda Baci, lending her star power and culinary credibility to the occasion.

    Hilda Baci praised the innovative direction of the new products, particularly the Bama Shawarma Mix,  a versatile, all-in-one blend that streamlines the shawarma preparation process while delivering authentic flavour in every bite. which she described as a breakthrough for chefs, food vendors and home cooks.

    She said: “As someone who’s constantly creating meals that balance taste, quality, and time,these two products Bama Shawarma Mix simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavour and brings everything you need for a perfect Shawarma into one Jar, helping you optimise pantry space and reducing cooking cost while saving time. It’s not just for shawarma, this mix works beautifully in wraps, marinades, dips, and salads. It’s a game changer for anyone wanting to elevate everyday meals easily.”

    Also, an awards segment recognised GBfoods’ top-performing partners, acknowledging their contribution to its nationwide distribution success.

    The evening underscored its mission to meet local tastes with global standards and marked a significant step in their journey to make quality, flavourful food more accessible across Nigeria.

  • For healthy living in Niger Delta

    As part of its corporate social responsibilities, Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited organised a week-long free health programme for Opobo community and its environs. SOUTHSOUTH BUREAU CHIEF BISI OLANIYI reports that the event which took place at Opobo General Hospital on Wednesday had far-reaching benefits to the people.

    Until late last year, travelling to Opobo Kingdom, the coastal ancient domain of the great King Jaja of Opobo, which is also the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, had always been by boat; from Kono-Ogoni Waterside in Khana Local Government Area.

    The journey of about 20 minutes from Kono-Ogoni to Opobo had always been risky and dangerous. Passengers had been attacked by armed sea pirates, who rob them of their money, mobile phones and other valuables. The pirates also seized boat operators’ expensive engines and paddles with which they (pirates) move the boats to the shore.

    Aside this, some female passengers were also raped inside the boats, even as passengers who had no money or any valuables must have been seriously beaten.

    Quite unfortunately, after stealing the boat’s engine which costs about N500, 000, the criminals would sell it cheaply to ready buyers. The attacks continued unbridled, despite regular patrol of the waterways by security personnel.

    With the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Unity Road nearing completion, criminal activities on the Kono-Opobo route may be history; and soon too.

    Vehicles easily drive into Opobo. Passengers seldom patronise boat operators as travelling by river is becoming less attractive. As a result of this, boat operators have begun to lament the prospect of being out of business, even as the pirates are said to have started relocating to other parts of the oil and gas-rich Niger Delta.

    The strategic road, linking Khana, Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas of Rivers State, was initiated by the then Rivers Governor, Dr. Peter Odili (1999-2007), whose deputy, Sir Gabriel Toby, is indigenous to Opobo.

    The project was adequately supported by the administration of Rotimi Amaechi (2007-2015), now Transportation Minister, whose Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, currently the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), also hails from Opobo.

    The present administration of Chief Nyesom Wike (from 2015) is almost completing the road despite its swampy terrain. The original soil was excavated and evacuated then sand-filled to enable it to last longer.

    In its resolve to reach out to the people of its host communities and their environs, Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited has organised one-week free health programme at Opobo General Hospital as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). The event took place on Wednesday.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, who is also the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, urged the people to take issues of their health serious.

    The first-class monarch, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman of Opobo Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alabo Princewill Dappa, stated that health should be taken seriously by the people to enable them to live longer.

    The monarch also urged the oil giant to extend the programme to other communities in the area, even as he praised the firm for the initiative. He thanked the volunteers for attending to the people, saying many people had benefited from the programme.

    Also speaking, the Women Leader of Opobo, Mrs. Felicia Pepple said she was excited to be part of the programme, even as she commended Total for the gesture. “Health is better than wealth,” she said.

    Pepple noted that if health is lost, everything is lost, but when wealth is lost, all things are not lost. She urged the oil company to make the programme a regular one.

    “Things are very hard. No money to access quality health care. You can see the crowd here,” she said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rosemary Wilcox said: “The free health programme is very encouraging. It is timely and good for many of us who do not have money to go to the hospitals for checkups or treatments of various ailments. But here, we are being treated free and given free drugs, including surgeries for critical cases.”

    Another beneficiary, Miss Ibelema Oko-Jaja, praised Total for the programme which she described as so beneficial to the less privileged individuals.

    In his welcome address, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Community Representative, Alabo Godwin Bupo revealed that many development projects by Total were ongoing in the area. He expressed gratitude to the oil giant for the gesture.

    The Programme Facilitator, Dr. Daniel Onyetulem, stated that he had passion for saving lives and medical missions.

    Onyetulem said: “One of the major reasons people don’t go to hospitals for treatments is lack of money to settle hospital bills. The Opobo medical mission is coming at the right time, as the patients are leaving happier than they came.

    “Unwanted pregnancies, rape cases and substance abuse are rampant in this area and other parts of Rivers State, and they must be quickly addressed, especially by creating awareness through continuous campaigns.”

    The medic also praised the oil giant for the initiative, even as he praised the people of Opobo for their co-operation and warm reception.

    Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Eugene Joseph Oko-Jaja pleaded with Total to consider some qualified youths of the area who are currently jobless for employment opportunities.

    Oko-Jaja, who was represented by a top official of the council, Francis Allison, called on Total to make the free health programme an annual event, while assuring that he was ready for synergy with development agencies, to move the LGA forward.

    In his keynote address at the third day of the week-long free medical service for Opobo and Nkoro communities, the Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District of Total, Mr. Francois Le-Cocq revealed that it was the first time the life-saving medical outreach was holding in the LGA.

    Le-Cocq, who was represented by Total’s Community Affairs Manager, Offshore and Port Harcourt, Okechukwu Obara said: “As a company, Total E&P Nigeria Limited believes in the universal saying that healthy people make a wealthy nation.

    “We are sustaining the noble efforts of the joint venture to reach out to the critical needs of our people and support both preventive and curative health care delivery policies and programmes of government, despite the challenging business environment.

    “After two days of this programme, available statistics indicate that 450 patients have so far been attended to. Eighty-five were pediatric cases, 112 ophthalmological, four ante-natal cases, while four patients have already undergone successful surgeries. Others are awaiting further review, preparatory for surgery.

    “The figures will rise as the days go by, which is a testimony that the programme is very popular and it is highly patronised by the people.

    “The project has helped a lot of individuals and families who could not afford the cost of health care in our private clinics, against the backdrop of the current challenges facing public health sector of our states.”

    The Deputy Managing Director also hailed the joint venture partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), for the continuous support. He also thanked the Rivers State government for approving the team of medical personnel and volunteering its facility for the programme. He also commended other partners for the success of the event.

    In order to have healthy citizen, other oil companies, multinationals and other critical stakeholders should emulate Total to make health care accessible and affordable for the poor.

  • Thousands walk for healthy living

    Over 2,000 members of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), Lagos State Women Council, walked through streets in Oshodi last Saturday to raise awareness on healthy living.

    Clad in their traditional green and white colours, the women from different parts of the state, sang, danced and educated residents, passers-by and motorists on the benefits of regular exercise.

    They were joined by a few men.

    The two-hour walk began from the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat near Bolade and ended at ADSN Oshodi Secretariat.

    It was sponsored by The Tempo Group, makers of Tempo Sudrex drugs.

    ADSN Lagos State Women Council Chairperson Alhaja Safirah Animashaun told The Nation that the annual programme was meant to increase the physical fitness of their members.

    “We do this every third Saturday in March. Elections made us change this year’s edition to today (Saturday). It is for healthy living and propagation of our religion,” she said.

    Alhaja Animashaun added that the walk will make them burn a lot of calories and make them live healthily.

    Women, she said, should engage in it regularly.

    “Experts have made us realised that physical exercise, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn a lot of calories a day. We have also directed our 37 branches in the state to domesticate it in their various areas. Some will hold theirs next week,” she said.

    ADSN Women Council State Treasurer Alhaja Idiat Owolabi Faruq said the benefits walks are numerous.

    “It is supposed to be done daily or three times a week. It makes the body system work well. It gives you good health and your shape looks well. People will envy your stature,” she said.

    Alhaja Faruq, a retired Chief Nursing Officer from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), enjoined the women to continue doing exercise but not the strenuous ones.

    The Tempo Group National Sales Manager Allan Sonza said he was impressed with the large turn out

    “I am not expecting plenty of people like this. I’m very glad that we join them for the walk. This is our fifth year of sponsoring them. It is good to see over 2000 women turning up for the event. They are our family. This walk is not easy, kudos to the women,” Sonza said.

  • Women make case for healthy living

    WOMEN have been urged to pay more attention to their health, especially  their lifestyles. They are also urged to do regular screenings.

    A medic, Dr Folake Olaleye gave the advice at the ‘’Dance for Wellness with Olori Ajayi’’ at 56′ held in Lagos.

    According to Olaleye, involvement in aerobic dance session could promote good cardiac health.

    Olaleye also urged women to check their blood pressure, urine, body mass index, cholesterol levels, among others, regularly.

    She said cancers that should not kill because they are largely preventable.

    “Many colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening. Screening can find precancerous polyps— abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening is crucial because when found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Early stages of colorectal cancer usually present no symptoms, which tend to appear as the cancer progresses. The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screening should start at 45,” she explained.

    On what to look out for as symptoms of colorectal cancer, she said, are change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

    Others are bright red or very dark blood in the stool. Stools that look narrower or thinner than normal. Discomfort in the abdomen, including frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps or weight loss.

    The event’s convener, Mrs Tola Ajayi, who brought the women together under the umbrella of her group, Womanhood with Olori Ranti Ajayi, said the inspiration for the programme came from her personal medical experience.

    “I went for routine check. My Bp was OK, but I was told to do cholesterol. I did. The result indicated a slight rise, and I was advised on simple lifestyle modifications. I did and got good results thereafter.

    “So, I told myself, if I am doing everything medically advisable, yet has raised cholesterol what happens to some other women who do not even check at all? So, as I clocked 56, I told myself I am going to start this, to encourage more women do life modifications and stay healthy.”

    The women were treated to basic screenings, exercise, wealth creation talks, a no power of investments.

  • Expert advises senior citizens on healthy living

    FoR the elderly to remain healthy, they should eat moderately, avoid smoking and excessive drinking, a United Kingdom(UK)-based health therapist, Mrs. Racheal Eniola Israel, has said.

    Mrs. Israel spoke at the wellness programme for the elderly, organised by the Grassroots Health Initiative (GHI), a United Kingdom-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) at  its Ifako-Ijaiye Area Office, Iju, Lagos.

    She advised them to  exercise regulary.

    Mrs Israel,  who was the GHI Chief Executive Officer, said the event became necessary because the elderly were prone to some illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and rheumatism, which could be managed before they become endemic.

    The group, which also carried out high blood pressure screening on the elderly, said it brought the outreach to area to enlighten them on healthy living, especially during the harmattan.

    She said: “Hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol are preventable and can be managed,’’ adding that anyone  who has high blood pressure must take his drugs regularly. You don’t stop using your drugs, if you are diagnosed of high blood pressure, because if it overshoots, it could lead to rupture of blood vessels, thereby leading to stroke.”

    She said those with high BP should reduce their salt and alcohol intake, eat fruits and vegetables daily, and exercise regularly.

    The council Chairman Oloruntoba Oke said the elderly needs regular health checkups to  manage their health.

    Oke, represented by his deputy, Mr Usman Amzat, said care for the elderly is one of the six cardinal programmes of the government, adding that the outreach would be organised monthly.

    The council’s medical officer Dr Fausat Sanni commended the NGO for bringing the campaign to the council.

    She said: “At 60 and above, most of the organs and cells in our bodies are aging and degenerating and may no longer be working optimally, as such they may be predisposed to illnesses which could be life threatening if not well managed.”

    The council’s Supervisory Councillor Babatunde Akanbi added that  the elderly would be better informed on healthy living.

    One of the beneficiaries Mr Samuel Adeyemi said theprogramme had helped him to know his health status and what drugs to take.

     

     

  • Firm reiterates commitment to healthy living  

    WEST  African Seasoning CompanyLimited (WASCO), makers of AJI-NO-MOTO seasoning products, has reiterated its commitment to healthy living, stating that the product is good  for consumption.

    Speaking at the factory tour and unveiling of popular comedienne, Helen Paul (aka Tatafo) and professional chef, Miyonse Amosu as ambassadors for AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami seasoning, Managing Director of the company, Mr. Junichi Niki reaffirmed that the duo will be the new face of the brand connecting with consumers and deepening public awareness on the benefits of the brand.

    He said in Nigeria, WASCO will continually and significantly contribute to promotion of good health and good culinary practice for healthy living of all families through the provision of nutritional seasoning products and other products of high quality to our consumers.

    Niki  said: “MSG, based on scientific findings, is 100 percent safe for consumption. For over a century now, MSG has been used to add Umami, the fifth basic taste, that enhances taste and make dishes more delicious since it was discovered in 1909. MSG is present in most natural foods such as meat, seafood, vegetable, cheese and milk. Umami is a universal taste.”

    “As a food company, we have been in Nigeria since 1991 distributing nationwide. Over the years, we have grown especially in the Northern area and so we want to renew our strength in the Southern areas of Nigeria to complement our efforts in the North,’’ he added.

    Head of Marketing at Ajinomoto  Isa Hassan Shallangwa spoke on the global consumption of AJI-NO-MOTO Umami seasoning.

    “According to the Longman dictionary, Umami is having a strong pleasant taste that is not sweet, sour, salty, or bitter, especially like the tastes found in meat, strong cheese and tomato. Umami taste is a member of the five basic tastes (alongside with sweetness, sourness, saltiness and bitterness”.

    He further said: ‘’The safety of umami substance has been approved by authorities all over the world such as in the USA, EU, Australia, Japan, and also by NAFDAC/Nigeria. AJI-NO-MOTO is produced through a natural fermentation process of sugar molasses which are obtained from plants such as sugar cane. The benefit of AJI-NO-MOTO Umami seasoning includes enhancing and promoting the deliciousness of our meals, it is economical, it reduces salt intake and it is rich in glutamate one of the free amino acids.  Almost all seasoning contains MSG.”

    AJI-NO-MOTO® is the first MSG seasoning produced since 1909. It is also the number one brand of Monosodium Glutamate (Umami Substance). Glutamate is also abundant in our traditional fermented condiments like iru, ogiri, daddawa. Umami is a universal taste. AJI-NO-MOTO has been selling for over hundred years and now sells in about one hundred countries and regions.

  • ‘Only Osun promotes mass participation in healthy living’

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said the success his administration recorded in the Health sector will be difficult to surpass by any other government in the state and beyond.

    He said Osun remained the only state that had promoted mass participation in healthy living, as reflected in its health-related programmes and schemes institutionalised by his government in the last seven and a half years.

    Aregbesola spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, while leading thousands of Osun residents on an endurance trek within the township.

    The 9.5-kilometre endurance trek, which was organised by the Community Development Council and Community Development Association, began from the front of the Government House en route Alekunwodo, Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun, Oja-Oba, Plantation Area, Sabo, Kola Balogun, Testing Ground, Omo-West, Ayetoro and ended at Osogbo City Stadium.

    Aregbesola was accompanied by his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, members of the State Executive Council (Exco) and political leaders, among other personalities.

    Addressing the participants, Aregbesola said his administration had fulfilled the promises it made to the residents that it would champion their well-being through free and effective healthcare delivery.

    He said: “Our administration has, in the last seven and a half years, recorded huge success in every aspect of the economy, particularly in the Health sector, as being seen and acknowledged ?in our efforts through the procurement of necessary health facilities, such as drugs, ambulances, prompt and timely river/waterways channelisation, enforcement of environmental sanitation and proper collection and disposal of refuse by the residents.

    “We have demonstrated good leadership; we have shown the world that ‘health is wealth’ and this could be seen and justified through our achievements in this sector.

    “We are doing all these to distinguish our state and reflect the good gesture by telling the world that no iota of development could be achieved if the Health sector and well-being of the citizens are lacking.

    “We have done so much to ensure that Osun is free from all forms on disease. This is a feat recorded through our prompt and swift response to anything that has to do with the healthy living and well-being of our people.”

    The Commissioner for Justice, who doubles as the Chairman of the programme’s Planning Committee, Dr Surajudeen Ajibola Bashir, said the event was meant to show appreciation to the contributions of the Aregbesola administration in the last seven and a half years.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Rural Affairs and Community Development, John Babatunde Ibirogba, lauded the Aregbesola administration for breathing life to rural and community centres.

    Also, the State Chairman of the Community Development Council, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, lauded the efforts of Aregbesola?’s administration? at providing basic amenities in rural areas and urban centres.

  • Regular exercise aids healthy living, says Ambode

    Regular exercise aids healthy living, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has advised people to do regular fitness exercise in order to live healthy life.

    Ambode gave the advice at the 2017 annual fitness exercise tagged “Walk For Life’’ organised by the Human Concern Foundation International in Lagos.

    The fitness exercise involved walking from Jibowu bus stop along Lagos-Ikorodu expressway to Maryland and back to Jibowu, a distance of about 10 kilometres.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem Abdul-Lateef, said a “healthy nation is a wealthy nation.’’

    “On behalf of the Governor of Lagos State, I congratulate the Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI) for this fitness exercise.

    “I want to say that living healthy requires that we do a lot, taking the right food, understanding the value of water, understanding when to rest and more than anything, physical exercises.

    “So, by doing this regularly, I believe that it is not something that should be annual but it is symbolic.

    “It is just meant to gear all of us up that this is what we need to do; minimum of 30 minutes fitness exercise everyday and I believe that you’ll take advantage of this. “This is the type of collaborative efforts that the government is talking about.

    “Only a healthy nation can be refer to as a wealthy nation. So on this note, I flag off this, we will go in peace and come back in peace.’’

    HCFI Coordinator Dr Ibrahim Oreagba remarked that the annual physical exercise was initiated to encourage Nigeria to always take walk on regular basis to keep fit and live a healthy life.

    Oreagba, who is an Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said the theme of this year’s walk for life is “Come let’s Walk for Health and Unity’’.

    A lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf, urged government to consider the fitness of its citizens when constructing roads.

    “Government should create roads in a way that will encourage walking and trekking and not cars and motorcycles alone,” he added.

  • Tips on healthy living, by cleric

    How can Nigerians improve on their health? It is by doing regular exercises, appropriate choice of good stable food, routine medical screenings and having a meaningful relationship with God, the Convener/Founder, ‘Arise Women Conference’ (‘Arise’, for short), Pastor Siju Iluyomade, has said.

    She spoke at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos before her group embarked on a walk round major streets of Victoria Island to create awareness on healthy living.

    Thereafter the NGO carried out a free medical screening and disease prevention talk.

    The walk was accompanied by dancing, music, exercises, eating of  fruits, drinks, medical talks, and lots of fun. There were many stands and mobile clinics that catered for participants’ medical, spiritual and welfare needs.

    Mrs Iluyomade, the wife of the Regional Pastor of Region 20, City of David (COD) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), explained the reason for the event tagged:  ‘Walkforlife’.

    She said regular exercises keep lifestyle diseases at bay. “If people can add some regular movement into their routines throughout the day, they will feel better and be less susceptible to health problems. In the long term, they may not see big changes in the mirror, but they will prevent further weight gain. So it is being suggested that people take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to a colleague’s office rather than phoning them and taking short strolls during the day to help increase the number of steps they take”.

    Shedding light on the various booths, she said: “Arise is committed to the building of our great nation, Nigeria, through its women by equipping them spiritually, morally, ethically, to the physical health of women by the provision of free medical screening services in several areas, including diabetes and cancer. It is committed to the establishment of mobile clinics which has been bringing primary health care to the doorsteps of different communities and a Free Women’s Clinic at Healing Stripes Hospital, Victoria Island as an out-patient clinic for women. Arise is a faith-based non-governmental organisation committed to accelerating nation building through the empowerment of women in the society and also passionate about the health of women through free preventive medical care in the area of HIV tests, eye test, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar level tests.”

    Mrs Iluyomade then called on the government to improve on delivering healthcare systems, initiatives and well drilled practitioners to ensure a more productive society.

    She said in order for Nigerians to achieve their potentials on a day- to-day basis, the government has to improve on delivering more sound healthcare systems, enlightenments and practitioners in almost every local government.

    “A lot of our people die needlessly just simply because they are not looked after on a day-to-day basis. So it is important that we imbibe the spirit of wellness and learn to take care of ourselves through exercise and good eating habits and I am sure by doing this, we will have a more productive society. I believe very strongly in health and I believe that we need to take care of ourselves in order for us to achieve our potential and what I will like to see in the near future is that we have general practitioners (GPs) in almost every local government for every 10 minutes walk from every home, so that it becomes a part of us”, she said.

    “We operate here in Lagos and main focus of the health areas we cover have been expanded to prostate and cervical cancer screening, and sickle cell anaemia. I need to point out that hypertension is prevalent in virtually almost all the people who have trooped out here, this is because in Lagos, people hardly exercise and most indulge in bad habits such as drinking alcoholic beverages, drugs and self medication. All these impair and must be stopped,” said Mrs Iluyomade.

    Corroborating, Head, Clinical services, Healing Stripes Hospital, Foundation of the RCCG, Dr Akinsiku Adedamola, said he was not surprised by the life expectancy rate in Nigeria, adding that  government needs to curb the illicit sales of herbal concoctions and kick start health re-enlightenment programmes.

    “Today the ailment we picked up the most is hypertension. Unfortunately, hypertension is a silent killer, a lot of people don’t know. Presently the life expectancy in Nigeria is very low compared to Western Worlds and this is because of the things we indulge in, there is therefore a need for government to curb the illicit sales of herbal concoctions.

    ”Our fast foods points also need re-education to reduce the amount of spices or seasonings added to foods. The government also needs to come up with programmes that will keep re-enlightening people on the truth about health”, he said.

    According to Akinsiku, “Advocacy is integral and just as we have come up with this initiative to promote healthy living, governments need to partner with religious ministries to create awareness as people are suffering due to poor health seeking behaviour”.

  • Six tips of living a healthier life

    Six tips of living a healthier life

    There isn’t any shortcut to good health but it isn’t very hard either. Being healthy is a matter of choice.  How you value the precious aspect of life will largely depend on your commitment to lead a healthy one by a simple set of rules. There is a common misconception that being healthier means giving up a lifestyle that you enjoy because what’s life after all if you have to deprive yourself of its pleasures ?? You couldn’t be more wrong!!!

    You can be healthy and enjoy your life too because by abiding by the protocols of good health, you strengthen your body further to withstand the lifestyle you may be leading be it a hectic or stressful one.  Following these 10 practical tips can help you lead a healthier life.

    1. Maintain a well balanced diet and get your protein

    In any guide to good health, it ultimately boils down to maintaining a well balanced diet. If you love a roast potato and steak by all means do so now and then but ensure that your diet consists of the proper ratio of protein carbohydrate and healthy fats. While there are nutrition guides that will teach you how to maintain a balanced meal plan, what you should also consider is incorporating more fat burning foods into your meals.

    If you are working out, ensure you get your protein because the majority end up eating a diet full of carbs and fats. Sure it’s healthy to go vegan or be a vegetarian but your body just cannot do without protein which are the essential building blocks of life. The best advice you could get is to consume foods that contain rich sources of anti oxidants, minerals, vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids.

    1. Look after your gut health

    Recent studies have linked Alzheimer’s disease to gut bacteria. This goes to show how several diseases may be the result of poor gut health. Within two years of birth, humans develop communities of gut flora or microorganisms that co exist in a mutually beneficial environment. Unfortunately as we age such beneficial gut microbes are greatly reduced.

    1. Avoid unhealthy snacks

    Snacking on that juicy burger, pizza and fast food may make your tongue salivate but it definitely does not benefit your body. While on the rare occasion it may be ok to indulge in your favorite food, the fact remains that unhealthy food widens your waistline and introduces a host of carcinogenic substances and free radicals into your body responsible for cancers, various disease and ageing.

    Healthy snacks are a good way to satiate both your taste buds and your stomach when hungry between meals. As a vegan or a person who wants to go gluten free you can try fruits like apricots or plantain chips. If you love ice cream, indulge in banana ice cream instead. You can get a healthy dose of protein and good fats from a combo of banana and peanut butter on Ezekiel toast. Once you start Snacking healthy, you will soon find yourself preferring such foods over processed high fat snacks.

    1. Learn to deal with stress

    Stress puts a huge damper on your physiology. The term “mind over matter” contains a lot of truth where succumbing to stress can create several problems in the areas of digestion, sleep, mood, focus and energy.  Variations of stress will always be present in life.  How you deal with it is more a matter of perspective and though easier said than done, there are ways and means to control and eliminate stress only if you decide to take one step forward to do so.

    While some fitness experts advocate yoga and meditation to deal with stress others feel intense activity such as kickboxing workouts can work wonders too.  You need to identify what type of activity sustains your personality the most. Engaging in that at least thrice a week will certainly invigorate your mid into a healthier disposition.

    1. Stop smoking

    If you are smoking, there is only one word that you should know now. Stop. The dangers of smoking are manifold and if you want to quit, you seriously don’t need rehab or even medication or substitutes to do so.  All you need is to come to terms with why you smoke and then you will find the answer is a shallow one that never really helps you. Rather than abide by the traditional belief of coaxing a habit away one step at a time. Try making a spontaneous and split decision to quit smoking that very instant. It may just work for you.

    1. Physical activity and rest

    Indulging in exercise and rest for recovery are two faces of the same coin. Physical activity increases energy, improves your constitution and metabolism, strengthens your heart, contributes to muscle buildup and a healthy skeletal structure. Rest provides that all important phase of muscle recovery which is a continuous process of muscle protein synthesis. While exercise contributes to muscle burn and hypertrophy of muscle tissue, rest and recovery invigorates and facilitates the process where both work hand in glove for a healthier body.

    Working out and eating healthy are all beneficial habits of a healthy life but rest ad adequate sleep are just as important to maintain and rejuvenate your body. Being healthy will also make you happier contributing to general well being.