Tackling The Hidden Cost Of Unhealthy Lifestyles

With the rise in non-communicable diseases and sudden deaths, experts have cautioned that it is imperative for Nigerians to prioritise healthy living.

According to medical experts, unhealthy habits are detrimental to human health. Some of the most common unhealthy daily practices identified include lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, stress, and poor hygiene.

“In today’s world, it’s easy for people to get caught up in their daily routines and prioritise convenience and comfort over their health without realising that the habits they adopt daily can have a significant impact on their overall well-being,” said family health physician Dr. Innocent Okoro.
“From the foods we eat and the amount of physical activity we get to our sleep habits and self-care routines, the choices we make can either support or harm our health,” he added.
Buttressing this point, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, noted that non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and pulmonary disease are largely driven by lifestyle choices and daily habits.

Idogho told LEADERSHIP that lack of exercise contributes to obesity, hypertensive heart disease, and diabetes

“Alcohol abuse can cause liver diseases and cancers. Indeed, in the food types and quantities we consume, many of us are making ourselves sick. Proper weight management, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption are crucial,” he said.

He added that the Society for Family Health was implementing a range of strategic interventions in self-care, working with communities to adopt and formalise more health-supportive behaviours.

Also, a public health expert, Dr. Timothy Adamu, stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace healthy lifestyles. He defined health as “a state of complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease.”

According to Dr. Adamu, wellness refers to an individual being in an optimal state of health: emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and a standard healthy state includes maintaining a normal body size.

“We advocate healthy lifestyles because a lot of things we encounter daily contribute to diseases, both communicable and non-communicable. Our bodies are exposed to disease-causing factors every day, stress from traffic, grief, workplace pressure, economic hardship, and even civil unrest can trigger chronic illnesses,” he explained.

“The way we live our lives matters. We should maintain good health hygiene and proper sleep hygiene,” he told LEADERSHIP.

Cautioning Nigerians against unhealthy lifestyles, a consultant nutritionist, Dr. Bamidele Omotola, said lifestyle and diet play critical roles in health, yet many people do not appreciate the importance of good nutrition.

“The issue of our diet is crucial because if you consume the wrong food, you are likely to become unhealthy. Our cancer registry is growing daily, cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, and sudden deaths are increasing,” he warned.

Nutritionists have noted that foods and beverages significantly impact health. Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

They recommend incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into meals and snacks, as these are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support good health.

Dr. Omotola added that “some foods are carcinogenic, meaning they induce cancer. yet they are commonly consumed. Red meat, barbecued foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages fall into this category. Fast foods containing trans fats are also harmful, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against their consumption.”

He, however, noted that some foods are anti-cancer. “Fruits and vegetables are very good for our health. Eating them daily can help prevent cancer. For men over 50, tomatoes contain anti-cancer agents. Garlic and onions not only enhance flavour but also fight cancer. Carrots, lemons, limes, and oranges are equally beneficial. We are fortunate in Nigeria to have these foods readily available.”

For individuals already diagnosed with conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, dietary and lifestyle modifications are crucial.

Dr. Omotola advised such individuals to drink at least three litres of water daily, reduce intake of eggs, fats, and oils, limit carbohydrate and salt consumption, eat more vitamin-rich foods.

Also, stress has been identified as a major cause of ill health. Studies show it can cause headaches, digestive issues, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and sleep problems.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Childcare and Wellness Clinics, Dr. Yashua Alkali Hamza, relaxation is essential. “Sudden deaths, often from cardiac arrest or blood pressure spikes, are largely stress-related,” she said.

“People must learn how to manage stress. It’s the number one cause of ill health, not just heart disease. When under stress, your body diverts its immune system from fighting illnesses. If you don’t manage your stress, it will affect your health,” she added.

She cautioned that continuous stress can throw the body off balance. “Take time to relax, breathe deeply, and restore balance. Yes, times are hard, but managing your stress can literally save your life,” she said.