Health professionals have stressed the importance of healthy living, regular medical check-ups and preventive healthcare measures during a free medical outreach organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, in collaboration with the Khadijat Toyin Musah (KTM) Foundation.
The one-day outreach was organised to promote health awareness and improve the well-being of members of the association through health education, counselling and medical screenings.
Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Coordinator of the KTM Foundation, Mr AbdulBasit Olarewaju, said the initiative was aimed at educating SWAN members on healthy living and preventive healthcare practices.
Olarewaju noted that the medical screenings conducted during the programme, alongside professional advice and health tips provided by the foundation’s medical team, would help participants identify potential health concerns early, prevent complications and improve their overall quality of life.
A member of the foundation’s medical team, Miss Blessing Osho, who delivered a presentation on HIV/AIDS, emphasized the importance of personal hygiene and avoiding exposure to infection through unsafe blood transfusions, contaminated sharp objects and unprotected sexual activities.
She also underscored the need for regular HIV testing, describing awareness of one’s status as a critical step toward preventing the spread of the disease and ensuring prompt access to treatment when necessary.
Another medical practitioner, Miss Ayomide Grace, spoke on hypertension and the management of high blood pressure. She advocated regular physical exercise, routine medical examinations and reduced intake of salty and fatty foods as effective strategies for preventing hypertension and related health conditions.
Grace further advised participants to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, stressing that moderation is essential for maintaining good health.
Also speaking, the Supervisor of the Medical Outreach, Mrs Shuaib Khadijat Ohunene, stressed the need for moderation of lifestyle choices such as junk food and drink intakes, regular exercise, and regular medical check-up.
Earlier, Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail, commended the KTM Foundation for partnering with the association to enhance members’ health awareness and access to preventive healthcare services.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to advance the welfare of its members, particularly in the areas of health and well-being.
The KTM Foundation was established by Professor Khadijat Toyin Musah, a Professor of Nursing Science at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
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