There has been an increased need for professionals in Nigeria to pay more attention to their health needs as recent deaths among individuals have revealed the impact of poor dietary practices.

Over the last decade, there has been a geometric increase in diabetes, cancer and other lifestyle related illnesses in Nigeria. This should hardly be the case because Nigeria is a country where most food consumed is made from scratch, and few additives are added to our natural home grown crops before they are cooked or processed for sale as ‘ready to eat foods’.

It is evident that these diseases which have grown tremendously in the past few decades do not respect anyone as top executives and other professionals have died through these ailments.

Indeed, we must all take necessary steps to prevent these diseases as they are not only expensive in terms of healthcare costs; they do have a severe effect on our key human development indices such as life expectancy, death rate etc. This is simply unacceptable for a country attaining to join the league of developed nations.

The following simple tips are suggested to Nigerian professionals amidst the traffic congestion and stressful schedules in our metropolitan cities.

What to Do

Grab breakfast: It does not have to be big, but most importantly balanced enough to get you through the morning. Eat light protein filled food and a cup of non-caffeinated beverage (bournvita, milo, ovaltine etc). Remember, many of us are more productive in the morning up until lunch time.

Cut down caffeine or coffee consumption

Get enough rest: Individuals have different needs when it comes to rest. I’m sure by now you should have known your own sleep pattern and sleep requirements. At least six hours should give you the output needed to get through the early productive hours of the day when ideas are raging and business strategies are being formed.

Don’t eat heavy food late at night. If you work late, then eat lighter foods if you must eat before going to bed.

Semiannual medical check-ups: This is very essential for healthy living. Most symptoms are suppressed for a long period of time before they are exposed. Plan in advance, schedule your time off and mark your dairy or PDA accordingly.

Read health columns in the national daily newspapers and tabloids. National newspapers such as The Guardian, for instance, have a natural health segment. If you buy the daily newspapers, you might as well get your money’s worth by reading the health column.

Take vitamins and dietary supplements as needed. If your daily food consumption lacks the components of a balanced diet, dietary supplements are recommended.

Use herbs appropriately. Garlic lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Gingko Biloba which is found in a number of health supplements helps improve thinking (this is still being debated) which in turn increases our productivity at work. Ginger also helps with nausea. 

The above tips are not set in stone rules but mere pointers. The more we invest in our well being, the healthier we become, and better impact our economy through new innovations that are wrought daily in our different professions.

Nigeria is a great country, the odds against our health seem enormous, and as professionals with determination we should forge forward in putting our health in our own hands.