TheHILL | POLITICS | DECEMBER 19
Against the backdrop of sudden deaths and several known diseases link to obesity and physical in activities, the international coordinator, 1001+ voices initiative for people empowerment Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko has made a passionate appeal for citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prolong the earthly existence.
He made the remarks while delivering a speech at the end of the year get together organized by Family Health and Fitness Club at plot 35, h-line, ewet housing estate, uyo over the weekend.
According to him, “Studies show that physical activity can reduce your risk of dying early from the leading causes of death, like heart disease and some cancers.
“Exercise stimulates our body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of our brain.
“Strengthen our bones and muscles. Regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones. Later in life, it helps slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. Doing muscle-strengthening activities can help us increase or maintain our muscle mass and strength.
Reduce risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine, and lung cancer.
Ide further highlighted, “For older adults, research shows that doing balance and muscle-strengthening activities in addition to moderate-intensity aerobic activity can help reduce risk of falling.
Improve sleep. Exercise can help us to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Speaking on Improve sexual health, he noted that regular exercise may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. “For those who already have ED, exercise may help improve their sexual function. In women, exercise may increase sexual arousal.
Analyzing the topic for the event, Living Intentionally: A Plea for Physical Exercise: Obong Ide Owoding pointed out that the first step towards living intentionally is to agree that life is made up of choices and we can choose either live according to our beliefs and values or choose to be teleguided by others.
He explained that while it is correct that intentional living maybe different for everyone, “one thing that can’t be disputed is that it is an ongoing process. Identifying, implementing, and staying in touch with your values is a lifelong practice, and well worth it.”
Throwing more light on the health benefits of regular exercises and physical activities, Ide said,” They
help with weight control. Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in weight control and preventing obesity. Maintaining our weight requires that the calories we eat and drink must equal the energy we burn. To lose weight, we must use more calories than we eat and drink”.
“Exercise strengthens our heart and improves our blood circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in our body and helps lower risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. Regular exercise can also lower our blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Helps manage blood sugar and insulin levels. Exercise can lower our blood sugar level and help our insulin work well. This can cut down our risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. And if we already have one of those diseases, exercise can help us to manage it”. He highlighted.
The event which was put together to celebrate the club’s successful end of 2021activities also witnessed the swearing in of a new executive to pilot the affairs of the club in the next three years.
