IBADAN – Prof. Femi Ogunbiyi, a Consultant Pathologist at the College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, said on Tuesday that regular physical exercise prevents diseases.
Ogunbiyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that controlling body weight alone could reduce the risk of colon cancer.
According to him, exercise stimulates movement through the bowel and reduces the time the colon is exposed to harmful substances such as carcinogens which cause cancer.
He said exercise could also help prevent weight gain or help maintain weight loss, adding that physical activity burns calories.
Ogunbiyi said the more intense the physical activity, the more the calories burned off.
“ No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides.
“ Taking one-two punch in the air keeps your blood flowing smoothly and this decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“ In fact, regular activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns like stroke, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.
“ Others are depression, arthritis and certain types of cancer, ‘’ he said
Ogunbiyi advised that at least 30 minutes of exercise daily was good for someone with an inactive routine. (NAN)
