Health Directorates asked to promote Keep-fit Clubs

Yendi (NR), Sept. 22, GNA - The Yendi Municipal Director of Health Services, Mrs. Denisia Agong Kaara has called on health directorates to encourage the formation of keep-fit clubs nationwide to reduce the risk of people dying prematurely.

She stated that physical exercise impacted positively on people’s health by reducing the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, depression and anxiety among others, which were on the increase.

Mrs. Kaara made the call during the formation of the Yendi Municipal Keep Fit Club at Yendi in the Northern Region.

She said everybody could do exercises, but that pregnant women, people with chronic heart conditions, and those from 40-50 years should see a doctor first to rule out any risk before they engaged themselves in the exercises.

According to the Municipal Health Director, exercise was medicine and was necessary for everybody, at least 30 minutes three times a week.

She stressed the need for people to eat more vegetables, fruit juices instead of soft drinks which contain large amounts of sugar.

Mrs. Kaara said eating enough vegetables could prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancers and arthritis.

Mrs. Kaara stated that the Yendi Municipal Health Directorate in collaboration with Municipal Assembly and the Municipal directorate of the Ghana Education Service promoted the formation of the club which involved all people residing in the area.

She encouraged the residents of the area to undertake regular basic exercises including breathing, aerobics, walking, brisk walking, jogging, running and rope skipping, among others.

Mrs. Kaara called on the Food and Drugs Board and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to take serious measures to stop farmers from using chemicals on their crops as it could have negative health effects on those who ate them.

The Yendi Municipal Nutrition Officer, Mr. Braimah Farouk indicated that there was the need for the people to consume more vegetables peanuts, garlic, beans, tomatoes, moringa to boost their health status.

They should also observe basic environmental cleanliness which was key to living a healthy life.

Mr Farouk noted that maintaining personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, before and after eating was also very important.

According to the Nutrition Officer, it was important for one to drink more water every day at least eight cups because water was needed for the flushing of toxins from the body.

The executive members of the Club include the Municipal Director of Health Services, Mrs. Kaara, as Patron, Municipal Coordinating Director, Alhaji Shahu Kaderi as Chairman, Mr Zakaria Abukari as Vice Chairman, Mr Braimah Farouk as Secretary, and Mr Edward Atta Abebe as Publicity Officer.