Heart failure: Cardiologists task Nigerians on healthy lifestyle
From Opeyemi Kehinde, Lagos
Cardiologists from some health institutions across the country have urged Nigerians to embrace healthy lifestyle to prevent heart failure. Speaking in Lagos at an awareness programme organised by Novartis, they affirmed that there was currently no known cure for the disease, adding that it can only be managed to prolong life.
The cardiologists include: Consultant Cardiologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah; Consultant Cardiologist, Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Prof. Kamilu Karaye; Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Amam Mbakwem and Consultant Cardiologist, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Prof. Michael Balogun. Others are Consultant Cardiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr. Maclean Akpa; Consultant Cardiologist, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Ibraheem Katibi; and Consultant Cardiologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Dr. Dike Ojji. From Emma Elekwa, Awka
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has cautioned Christians against extravagant expenses during the Christmas and New Year seasons to avoid indebtedness.
Ezeokafor made the call on Saturday in Awka in his Christmas message. He explained that Jesus Christ, whose birth was being commemorated, exemplified humility by accepting to be born in human form to save the world.
According to him, Christians should seize the opportunity of Christmas to reconcile with God as well as show love and charity to their neighbours. On his expectations in New Year, Ezeokafor advised the government to address challenges in the area of power supply, agriculture and education among others.
Addressing participants at the event, Prof. Balogun, who also chaired the occasion, emphasized that heart failure is worse than breast and prostate cancer.
The cardiologists affirmed that heart failure has contributed to the drastic increase in mortality rate in hospitalized patients in recent times across the nation.
They however listed some preventive measures which could be applied to keep the disease at bay. These include regular exercises, developing healthy eating habits and frequent medical check-up among others.