Foundation walks for healthy living

Hundreds of men walked several miles to campaign for healthy living.

They were a spectacle  penultimate Sunday on the streets of Lagos.

In customised blue T-shirts, the men held a walk in furtherance of their campaign against obesity and other non-communicable diseases.

The walk, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI), an organ of The Muslim Congress (TMC), started from Jibowu under bridge to Maryland and back to Jibowu between 7 and 9.30 a.m.

HCFI Director, Dr Ibrahim Oreagba, described exercise as key to wellbeing.

According to him, regular exercise prevents diseases like cancer, obesity and hypertension.

“Regular exercise will increase the quality of our lives. Whoever does it regularly won’t be visiting hospital from time to time. Also, it strengthens one’s heart, which is the most fundamental part of our body. We all know that the body is practically dead once the heart is not functioning”, Oreagba said.

Walking, he said, deflects diabetes, adding: “New research links brisk walking to a significant reduction for developing Type 2 Diabetes. No matter where you live, there is a place you can trek to experience the benefits of walking.

The Muslim Congress (TMC) president, Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem, said Islam supports healthy living.

AbdurRaheem described Prophet Muhammad as a sportsman.

“Our Prophet encourages Muslims to be healthy. He said Allah loves Muslims who are healthy. If you are healthy, regular acts of worship will be easier,” he said.

AbdurRaheem enjoined Muslims to participate in community activities.

An epidemiologist with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Ismail Abdul Salam, said physical exercise would promote regular free flow of blood within the blood vessels.

He said regular exercise prevents cardio vascular diseases such as stroke, cancer and diabetes apart from making one physically fit.

The consultant public health physician said exercises solve sleep problems and depression.