THE Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has said that Nigerians can combat stress and chronic diseases through evidence-based lifestyle interventions, including healthy nutrition, fostering healthy relationships, exercise, sleep, the avoidance of psychoactive or toxic substances, and building a strong support network of friends and family.
SOLONg declared that there is a high prevalence of work-related stress among the employee workforce in Nigeria, and 190 million people worldwide were reported by the World Health Organisation to have experienced significantly higher levels of stress in 2020.
President of SOLONg, Dr Moyosore Makinde, released a press release jointly signed with Dr Mimi Osad Osamwonyi, the association’s general secretary, to mark Global Lifestyle Medicine Week with the theme “Beat Stress with D.R.E.A.M.S.” said stress is a global challenge that needs to be mitigated to prevent and mitigate the impact of chronic conditions.
She said that when it is persistent, it is detrimental to health and contributes to the development and progression of chronic diseases known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and certain cancers.
Dr Makinde, a family physician and an International Board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, said that stress can be social or work-related, time-related, environmental, situational, stemming from relationships, or self-induced.
“Some individuals feel overwhelmed by the demands on their time. In others, it is caused by factors in their surroundings, like noise and pollution. Often, negative beliefs or thoughts, unhealthy behaviours, or lifestyle choices may be the reason for stress. It might also be triggered by life events such as the loss of a loved one, illnesses, or circumstances like insecurity, economic stressors, job changes, or financial difficulties,” she said.
She, however, declared that the week-long event underscores the importance of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine in preventing, treating, and sometimes reversing these diseases.
“This week is calling for unified efforts by individuals, stakeholders, and governments to confront chronic diseases as a critical public health issue. By embracing the principles of lifestyle medicine and addressing the multifaceted nature of stress, we can pave the way for a healthier future,” he said.
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