A group of health experts in Nigeria have underscored the importance of exercise, especially regular walking for at least 150 minutes per week, noting that it can improve health and overall well-being.
They explained that walking is a low-impact, low-cost activity that has a wide range of benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and some forms of cancer.
Speaking at the ‘2024 Walkout Exercise’ organised by the Waka Community International Foundation and Q-Life Family Clinic in collaboration with Health Emergency Initiative, the experts stressed that walking has been shown to also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and improve mental health.
They advised Nigerians to eat right, drink a lot of water, and get enough quality sleep to prevent illnesses.
The Chief Medical Director of Q-Life Family Clinic, Dr Olowojolu Olayinka, noted that people can prevent health issues before they even come up.
She stated, “What we are trying to do is to encourage people to be more physically active. If you can walk up to 150 minutes in a week alone, that is enough to have a positive impact on your health.
“And this walk we did is about 150 minutes or thereabouts. Doing it once a year is not enough. But at least by organising the walk, we can just pick people’s interest so that they can start taking responsibility for their health.
Also speaking, the Founder of Waka Community International Foundation, Mr Lorenz Mba, said the foundation is simply committed to building a community of people who are leaner, fitter, healthier, and ultimately happier through walking, eating healthy in small portions, hydrating enough and getting adequate sleep.
“If you don’t get adequate sleep, your brain cells eat themselves. Sleep deprivation is very harmful to health.
“So, walk, eat responsibly in small portions, rehydrate enough, and get adequate sleep. You’ll be leaner, fitter, healthier, and ultimately happier and more productive to your community and family.
