Foundation ‘walks’ against obesity, non-communicable diseases

As part of activities to mark World Awareness Month for Colon Cancer, Harmony Life Family Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has organised a ‘Health and Fitness Walk.’

The programme, held at Ikeja, Lagos, according to the organisers was targeted at sensitising the general public on the need for a healthier lifestyle against the risks posed by obesity and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as colon and breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, among others.

The programme, endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, started at 7.30am from Haven Event Centre, Isaac Ogunjobi Way Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, where over 200 participants proceeded to Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, a distance of about 4km. Also, information on key facts and preventive measures for NCD were distributed and displayed to members of the public during the walk.

Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Mercy Ighofose, expressed that “the ‘Health and Fitness Walk’ aims to raise awareness in our community on the scourge of NCD. All these are targeted at reducing the health risks posed by NCD to Nigerians due to an influx of unhealthy diet, over-processed and slow transit foods, which causes a lot of damage to the digestive track and other vital organs in the body.

“More Nigerians have embraced foreign diets and choose to bulk on fast foods on a regular basis, when our country is so blessed with healthier, plant-based, locally grown foods. Many people are spending more time in front of their computers, phones and televisions, which are basically sedentary activities of zero-physical exercise bringing on the problem of over weight and obesity.

The programme in addition, seeks to increase the life expectancy rate in Nigeria which stands at 54.5 years.”Ighofose further stated that according to records, one in five Nigerians are at a risk of hypertension and sudden death due to unhealthy habits.The event was supported by; Just Water-Smoody Fruit Company, Veleta Fruit Wine, Nutravit Multi-Grain Cereal, 3 Crowns Milk, P.B. Djebah Co. Ltd. and ARCO Group Plc.