ENUGU – The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has attributed the perceived rise in kidney and cardiovascular diseases in the state to greater public awareness, improved access to health information and increased testing.
Prof. Ugwu, who spoke during a live interactive programme, _The Conversation_, on 100.3 Udoka FM, Enugu, said more people were now presenting themselves for medical examinations, making cases that previously went undetected more visible.
He, however, warned that unhealthy lifestyle choices, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity and indiscriminate use of medicines remained major risk factors for kidney and cardiovascular complications.
The commissioner urged residents to pay attention to their diet, cautioning against excessive consumption of sugary, salty, oily and highly processed foods. He advocated a return to locally produced meals, citing _Ayaraaya oka_, a traditional Nsukka dish made from mashed maize, as an example of a nutritious local food.
Prof. Ugwu expressed concern that some Nigerians equate expensive, processed foods with affluence, stressing that such habits contribute to obesity and other health problems. He advised people, especially those aged 40 and above, to monitor their calorie intake and maintain healthy body weight.
He also decried the eating habits of young people, particularly students who rely heavily on noodles and convenience foods without vegetables and protein, noting that the problem was often ignorance and not just poverty.
The commissioner further urged residents to engage in regular physical exercise as a key preventive measure against lifestyle-related diseases.
*On drug abuse*, Prof. Ugwu identified self-medication and abuse of painkillers as serious threats to kidney health. He cautioned against buying medicines without medical advice and stressed that drugs should be obtained from credible sources and used according to prescription.
On herbal medicines, he said they should not be seen as alternatives to orthodox drugs amid concerns over fake medicines. He said the state government was working to strengthen regulation and ensure medical supplies are sourced directly from manufacturers to guarantee safety and quality.
Prof. Ugwu restated Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to improving access to healthcare in the state.
Enugu Health Commissioner Attributes Apparent Rise In Kidney, Cardiovascular Diseases To Awareness, Testing
By Nwoko
2 views
Facebook Comments Box
Comments