A group of health experts have underscored the importance of exercise, especially regular walking for at least 150 minutes per week, noting that it can improve health and overall well-being.
They explained that walking is a low-impact, low-cost activity that has a wide range of benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and some forms of cancer.
Speaking at the ‘2024 Walkout Exercise’ organised by the Waka Community International Foundation and Q-Life Family Clinic in collaboration with Health Emergency Initiative, the experts stressed that walking has been shown to also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and improve mental health.
They advised Nigerians to eat right, drink a lot of water, and get enough quality sleep to prevent illnesses.
The Chief Medical Director of Q-Life Family Clinic, Dr Olowojolu Olayinka, noted that people can prevent health issues before they even come up.
She stated, “What we are trying to do is to encourage people to be more physically active. If you can walk up to 150 minutes in a week alone, that is enough to have a positive impact on your health.
“And this walk we did is about 150 minutes or thereabouts. Doing it once a year is not enough. But at least by organising the walk, we can just pick people’s interest so that they can start taking responsibility for their health.”
Also speaking, the Founder of Waka Community International Foundation, Mr Lorenz Mba, said the foundation is simply committed to building a community of people who are leaner, fitter, healthier, and ultimately happier through walking, eating healthy in small portions, hydrating enough and getting adequate sleep.
“If you don’t get adequate sleep, your brain cells eat themselves. Sleep deprivation is very harmful to health.
“So, walk, eat responsibly in small portions, rehydrate enough, and get adequate sleep. You’ll be leaner, fitter, healthier, and ultimately happier and more productive to your community and family.
“So, we are here to build consciousness in the lives and affairs of Nigerians. Health is the ultimate wealth. Without health you have nothing,” Mba added.
Also, the Executive Director of HEI, Mr Paschal Achunine said the idea of the walk was to raise awareness about healthy living, keeping a good lifestyle, and exercising.
He also said it is meant to call attention to the basic measures required to handle emergencies.
Achunine added, “So part of this programme is to raise awareness that there are also Nigerians who are unable to access basic health care. And this collaboration reinforces the need for all of us to join hands together to save lives.”
According to a study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which analysed more than 900 research papers on the health benefits of walking and other forms of physical activity, it was found that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, per week significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The study also found that even smaller amounts of activity, like 75 minutes per week, can still provide some health benefits.
In addition to the health benefits mentioned in the study, it was also discovered that regular walking can improve sleep quality, bone and muscle health, cognitive function, and mood.
Based on the study, walking has also been linked to increased energy levels, lower stress levels, reduced risk of depression and a safe and effective way to improve overall health, regardless of age or fitness level.
