Expert counsels on how to maintain good health •1200 benefits from free medical care

The prevailing economic climate in Nigeria, including different stressors people encounter daily, a medical expert, Dr Adeleye Babarinsa, had said requires Nigerians maintaining good hygiene, exercising regularly and eating in moderation to cope and remain healthy.

Dr Babarinsa, in a health talk prelude a free medical care by A and A Medical Healthcare Supplies, Canada in collaboration with Springs of Salvation Church Nigeria, said that these are part of actions  individuals should imbibe to remain healthy.

The medical expert, working at Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Ibadan, who warned against the dangers of self medication, stated that food remains the best medicine for human.

According to him, “wrong diet contributes significantly to poor health. Good nutrition for children, for instance, helps to build their immunity against diseases.

“Many diseases that are still occurring in Nigeria are no longer seen in developed countries because they maintain an hygienic environment.

“Exercises help to build the body’s immunity against diseases, so people need to indulge in more exercises. Walking, for example, is very helpful.’

“Also, abstaining from habits such as drinking alcohol is important. Alcohol can destroy the liver and it is a contributory factor to increasing cases of high blood pressure in the community.”

Dr Babarinsa, while making case for increased intake of fruits and vegetables, said adequate intake of water is important just as moderation in eating.

“A fist size of eba, amala, or fufu is enough; the plate should be at least half filled with vegetables. Oil intake must also be in moderation.

“Many people are not resting enough and this can contribute to ill health. So, an individual must sleep for at least six to eight hours a day.”

Earlier, Folasade Akinremi of the A and A Medical Healthcare Supplies, Canada, said the free medical outreach that also offered prescription glasses, was borne out of the need to support the deplorable health status of many Nigerian.

Akinremi, a trained nurse, said the three-day medical outreach did not exclude anybody based on religion, tribe, or denomination, stressing that Nigerians need to be empowered through health education to take charge of their health.

The free medical outreach, which benefited about 1,200 individuals, including children, she assured will be followed up with the establishment of David and Florence Akinremi clinic to be able to continually meet health needs of Nigerians.

National overseer, Springs of Salvation Church Nigeria, Reverend (Dr) Kayode Okeowo stated that the annual free medical outreach was the church’s contribution to the physical well being of Nigerians, adding “it is also to commemorate the church’s convention”.