Lagos – Dr Akinkunmi Afolabi, President, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba Chapter, on Thursday urged Nigerians to promote healthy lifestyles, to combat the menace of diabetes.
Afolabi, who is also a cardiologist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that diabetes was becoming an increasing trend all over the world, including Nigeria.
He spoke on the 2016 International World Health Day with the theme: “Beat Diabetes’’.
According to him, we must promote healthy lifestyles and there should be modification in our lifestyles.
“Because, some of the things responsible for this sharp increase in the prevalence of diabetes is the westernisation of our lifestyles and regular intake of frizzy drinks.
“It is important to know that we must watch what we eat and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, rather than taking junk and too much of foods that are high in calories,’’ Akinkunmi said.
He listed the symptoms of diabetes to include: excessive urination, thirst, hunger and weight loss.
Also, a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Mr Kehinde Adegoke, urged medical professionals to work as a team, in order to enhance effective healthcare delivery.
Adegoke, who is also a Trustee, Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, told NAN that the major challenges in the nation’s health sector was the unhealthy rivalry among health workers and the professionals.
“As we celebrate the World Health Day, it is important as a nation, to look into our health sector, and review issues that will check the health index of the populace.
“The health sector has not been stable because of the unhealthy rivalry and frosty relationship among the health workers and the professionals.
“The Health sector is a multi-professional sector and patients should be the main goal of every member of the health team, without any other selfish interest.
“We are expected to embrace global best practices, which is the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Health professionals need to come together as a team so that the Nigeria populace and those with health challenges can benefit from the services they provide,’’ he said.
WHO says “an estimated 347 million people in the world had diabetes and the prevalence was growing, particularly in the low and middle-income countries.
“The main goal of the 2016 World Health Day is to increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, its triggering burdens and consequences and affordable actions to tackle it.’’ (NAN)