Nigerians have been urged to pay greater attention to their physical and mental health, with medical experts noting that emotional trauma, anxiety, financial worries and lack of peace of mind contribute significantly to many health challenges.

Medical Director of Toptee Medical Centre, Dr Temi Oludayo, made the call during a one-day free medical outreach organised in partnership with the Baale Community Development Association in Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area.

Oludayo charged residents to embrace yearly medical check-ups, emphasising that prevention remains better than cure. She said the programme formed part of the hospital’s commitment to giving back to society and promoting preventive healthcare within communities.

“Sometimes people are not sick because of malaria. Emotional stress, anxiety and worries can affect people’s overall well-being. Everyone should prioritise their happiness and peace of mind,” she said.

According to her, the outreach was designed to extend healthcare services to underserved communities across Surulere.

Oludayo stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that many people only visit hospitals when their health conditions become severe.

“Some people do not see any reason to visit the hospital if they are not feeling sick, but when healthcare services are brought closer to them and offered free, it helps them know their health status early,” she explained.

Clinical Administrator of Toptee Medical Centre, Dr Anyaehie Uzochukwu, also urged residents to prioritise both physical and mental health, emphasising that early detection of illnesses saves lives.

He cautioned against neglecting routine medical check-ups, stressing that many health conditions can be effectively managed when detected early.

Anyaehie commended the community, medical personnel, skin specialists and doctors who offered free dermatological consultations and skincare guidance during the outreach.

Another medical practitioner, Dr Ebube Okpaluba, advised Nigerians to become more intentional about healthy living despite prevailing economic challenges.

According to her, many people are focused on survival and income generation while neglecting their health until complications arise.

Okpaluba encouraged regular physical exercise, noting that exercise does not have to be strenuous.

She warned against sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting and excessive intake of coffee, energy drinks and sugary beverages, describing them as contributors to several health complications.

She recommended healthier alternatives such as water and natural fruit juices, while also advising people living with hypertension to take their medications consistently and monitor their blood pressure regularly.

Okpaluba further encouraged reduced salt intake and avoidance of oily foods, fried meals and excessive red meat consumption, while embracing healthier protein sources such as fish, eggs and chicken.

“We know the economy is difficult, but there are still affordable, healthy options like local fish and eggs that people can include in their meals,” she added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Community Development Committee of Coker-Aguda, Sanni Ogidan, said the partnership aimed to bring quality and affordable healthcare services closer to residents who often struggle to access treatment due to economic hardship.

Ogidan noted that beneficiaries received free reading glasses, blood pressure checks, malaria and tuberculosis screenings, consultations with doctors, and other medical examinations.

He stressed the need for residents to take their health seriously and avoid waiting until they become critically ill before seeking medical care.

Ogidan also expressed concern over rising cases of depression, emotional stress and mental health challenges among residents, linking them to unemployment, hunger and prevailing economic difficulties.

“Many people cannot afford hospital treatment or drugs. Some avoid hospitals because they believe they will still be asked to buy expensive medications. Programmes like this bring relief to the people,” he said.

Officials of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, on behalf of the community, expressed appreciation to Toptee Medical Centre, St. Edmond Clinic, eye care service providers and skin specialists for partnering to improve healthcare access for residents at the grassroots level.