With the increasing rate of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, Nigerians have been advised on healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle consists of eating a healthy diet, doing regular physical activity and avoiding toxic habits. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a healthy lifestyle is a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early.
“Not all diseases are preventable, but a large proportion of deaths, particularly those from coronary heart disease and lung cancer, can be avoided. Scientific studies have identified certain types of behaviour that contribute to the development of noncommunicable diseases and early death. “Health is not only just about avoiding disease.
It is also about physical, mental and social wellbeing. When a healthy lifestyle is adopted, a more positive role model is provided to other people in the family, particularly children,“ said WHO. Emphasising that hypertension control is paramount to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof.
Mohammed Ali Pate, urged Nigerians on healthy eating, regular physical activities and avoiding toxic habits like smoking. He said „Engaging in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. For instance, use of the stairs instead of the elevator, trekking instead of taking the bus for short distances.
Physical activity relieves stress, keeps you fit, controls body weight, and lowers heart di.
