Experts advocate walking for enhanced well-being, productivity

Health experts have advocated the inclusion of walk as part of activities to improve life span, mitigate health challenges and enhance overall well-being for increased productivity and economic development.
They spoke at a Walkathon on Saturday in Lagos organised by Waka Community International Foundation, Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative to honour the memory of Dr Ade Alakija.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alakija was the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, former Medical Director of Q-life Family Clinic and pioneer member, Waka Community International Foundation.
Lawrence Mba, Founder, Waka Community International Foundation, described walking as the oldest and safest form of physical exercise which was non-discriminatory on grounds of age, gender, level of physical fitness or location.
Mba said the collaborative event used to immortalise the memories of the late Alakija who was a fitness enthusiast, aimed to contribute to the wellness and health of Nigerians and residents of Nigeria.
He persuaded the general public to take personal responsibility for their wellness by walking, eating right, hydrating well and getting enough quality sleep.
“Nigerians are encouraged to walk a minimum of thirty minutes daily and to eat healthy in small portions, drink lots of water and get adequate sleep so they will be fitter, leaner, healthier and ultimately happier.
“Walking; the oldest and safest form of physical exercise is a low impact exercise and so is gentle on the knees and ankles.
“Walking also has many benefits such as helping maintain a healthy weight and helping lose unwanted and undesirable fat.
“It helps prevent or manage various conditions including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes and also helps improve cardiovascular fitness.
“This event being held in honour of Ade Alakija is to help build consciousness about the importance of health which is the ultimate wealth and we remain committed to building a community of people that are healthy,” Mba said.(NAN)