From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara State Chapter, has urged veteran journalists to make healthy nutrition, regular medical check-ups and physical activity priorities to reduce the risks associated with ageing.
The PSN Chairman in the state, Mrs Munirat Bello, gave the advice in Ilorin while speaking at a one-day sensitisation programme on healthy living organised by the Kwara Chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ).
Bello, who spoke on “Nutrition, Diet and Healthy Ageing,” said ageing should not be seen as a period of inevitable ill health, stressing that proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices could significantly improve the quality of life of older adults.
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She identified hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases among conditions that could be prevented or better managed through appropriate dietary choices and regular physical activity.
According to her, “Proper nutrition is an important component of disease prevention and effective management of many ailments commonly associated with old age.”
She explained the food pyramid to participants and advised them to eat balanced meals containing essential nutrients, while reducing their intake of salt, sugar, cholesterol and saturated fats.
The pharmacist recommended foods rich in fibre, vitamins, calcium, protein and antioxidants, including fish, chicken, eggs, low-fat milk, whole grains, beans, nuts and vegetables such as spinach, ugwu, broccoli, carrots and cabbage.
She also encouraged the consumption of fruits such as oranges, watermelon, bananas, pineapple, pawpaw and berries, while advising the veterans to reduce their intake of red meat, fried and highly processed foods and sugary drinks.
Bello stressed the importance of adequate water intake, quality sleep, relaxation and regular exercise, noting that healthy ageing required a combination of good nutrition and positive lifestyle choices.
She cautioned participants against indiscriminate use of dietary supplements, saying such products should only be taken on the recommendation of qualified health professionals.
The PSN chairman equally warned against self-medication, particularly among older adults, and urged them to seek professional medical advice before taking medicines because the body’s response to drugs could change with age.
She further advised the veterans to undergo regular medical examinations to ensure early detection and treatment of health conditions.
Earlier, the NALVEJ Chairman in Kwara, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi, described the programme as timely, saying it would help members better understand and manage health challenges associated with ageing.
Akanbi said the initiative formed part of the league’s welfare programmes designed to keep members healthy, informed and better prepared for life after active journalism.
He commended Bello for accepting the invitation to educate the veterans and pledged NALVEJ’s commitment to sustaining programmes that promote the physical and mental wellbeing of its members.
Also speaking, a member of NALVEJ and former Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Sani, called for improvements in the healthcare system, particularly in accurate and timely diagnosis.
Sani stressed the need for appropriate diagnostic procedures and evidence-based approaches to enable healthcare practitioners identify health conditions accurately rather than rely on conjecture.
A former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Muftau Ojo, urged the veterans to make their health a priority and avoid ignoring symptoms.
He said ignorance of one’s health condition could have serious consequences, urging members to undergo regular medical examinations and promptly seek medical attention when necessary.
The participants expressed appreciation to NALVEJ and the PSN for the sensitisation, describing it as relevant to journalists who had spent decades contributing to the development of the profession and society.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Assistant Secretary of NALVEJ Kwara, Rev. Felix Ajide, said members had learnt valuable lessons from the programme and urged them to put the knowledge into practice.
Ajide thanked the PSN chairman for honouring the league’s invitation and prayed for continued blessings for her.
The programme was part of NALVEJ Kwara’s efforts to promote the welfare of its members and encourage healthy ageing among veteran journalists.
