By Kemi Olatunde
The importance of healthy eating and regular exercise in preventing chronic diseases has been emphasised.
Consultant Family Physician at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and State Chairman of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Dr. Olaniyi Johnson, made this known while addressing participants during an aerobic exercise organised to mark the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) on Friday.
According to him, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in preventing ailments, noting that unhealthy habits have led many young people to develop chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
Describing lifestyle as a matter of choice and discipline, Dr. Johnson observed that even people under the age of 20 are being diagnosed with cancer, adding that the incidence of the disease increases with age.
He defined lifestyle medicine as the use of evidence based approaches to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases, explaining that a plant based diet is key to promoting healthy living.
He advised the public to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and instead include more fruits and vegetables in their diet.
“Take fruit as your medicine. You should take five portions of fruit daily and embrace portion control,” he said.
Dr. Johnson also urged individuals to cut down on fried foods, meat, and processed meals, noting that red meat has been linked to several chronic health conditions.
He recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night and reduced screen exposure before bedtime, stressing the importance of regular exercise, stress management, and social interaction for overall wellbeing.
“You must cultivate the habit of engaging in exercise, avoid risky substances, manage stress, and be socially connected,” he added.
Director of Physiotherapy Services, FUTA Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Olasehinde Morounke, encouraged participants to continue practising the exercises in their homes.
In her vote of thanks, Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at FUTA Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ndidi Okunnuga, underscored the importance of healthy living among health workers to serve as good examples to residents of the state.