By Milcah Tanimu
Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, emphasized the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles and diets to safeguard overall well-being. Speaking at a lecture organized during the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week in Lagos, Owoeye, represented by Dr. Stephen Oluwaniyi, Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, underscored the significance of maintaining mental, physical, and social health.
The Mental Health Awareness Week, themed “Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health,” aims to raise awareness about mental health issues. Owoeye cautioned against sedentary lifestyles, highlighting the importance of engaging in activities that promote mental, physical, and social well-being.
Regular physical activity was identified as a key strategy for preserving mental health, with Owoeye stressing the benefits of exercise in reducing stress and elevating mood. He emphasized the release of feel-good hormones during exercise and encouraged individuals to prioritize relaxation and stress-relieving activities.
Dr. Olufunmilayo Akinola, a consultant psychiatrist at the hospital, emphasized the need for individuals, especially health workers, to prioritize their own health to effectively care for others. Speaking on the topic “Balanced Mental Health in an Unbalanced World,” Akinola urged intentional living, emphasizing self-care and stress management techniques.
Mrs. Opewole Simisola, a Nutritionist, highlighted the importance of healthy eating habits in the workplace and advised Nigerians to consume a balanced diet to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She emphasized the inclusion of vegetables and fruits in daily diets to enhance nutrient intake and encouraged individuals not to skip meals, particularly breakfast.
Simisola emphasized that maintaining a balanced diet is achievable with the knowledge of what to eat and in the right proportions from various food groups. She stressed the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, advocating for a holistic approach to health and well-being.
The event served as a platform to promote awareness and education about mental health and underscored the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles to support overall well-being.
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