Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sade Oguntola
Published on 2024-02-22 05:51:25
In the field of medicine, a renowned cardiologist, Dr. Adewole Adebiyi, emphasizes that no death occurs suddenly in a person presumed to be completely healthy. He asserts that there is always an undiagnosed underlying illness or warning signs that were either ignored or not given the necessary care. This was emphasized during his talk at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, where he discussed the theme of “Cardiovascular Risk and Regular Exercises.”
Dr. Adebiyi draws a parallel between the human body and a car, stating that just as a car does not stop or break down suddenly without warning signs, the human body also does not breakdown without giving prior indications that were either ignored or not given the necessary care. He stresses that aside from deaths occurring from accidents, no other death in supposedly healthy individuals is sudden.
The key pillars of good health, according to Dr. Adebiyi, include self-care, good health literacy, adequate sleep, stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of self-care and urges individuals to take deliberate steps to support their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Mrs. Grace Adekoya, a public health nurse, echoes the importance of prioritizing, preventing, and controlling cardiovascular risks. She highlights various risk factors, including uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar, air pollution, smoking, high salt intake, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Mrs. Adekoya encourages individuals to make routine medical checks, including blood pressure measurements, a priority for early detection and prompt treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Oyenike Ayo-Ogunseye, a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist, recommends using the body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio measures to assess the body’s wellness. She also emphasizes the importance of regular moderate-intensity exercise, particularly walking, as a means to maintain overall health.
The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, underscores the significance of educating the hospital community and the public on cardiovascular risks. He notes that cardiovascular diseases are now the second leading killer diseases at the hospital, surpassing even cancer in terms of mortality rates. As a result, the hospital aims to regularly address such topics to educate and create awareness within its community and the general public.
In conclusion, the messages conveyed by the medical professionals emphasize the importance of proactive health management and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Through education, routine medical checks, and regular exercise, individuals can take charge of their health and reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected health breakdowns.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
