Ignoring one’s health can have serious consequences, yet many Nigerians do it. Sometimes our bodies are showing us signs of an impending health problems. But we ignore these signs, and rather than treat these health problems early, we allow the problems to compound and become serious issues, sometimes, even leading to permanent disabilities or sudden death.
Some of the various reasons Nigerians ignore their health, will include:
1. LACK OF AWARENESS:
Many people may not understand the importance of taking care of their health and may not know what steps they need to take to maintain their health. We will be discussing some easy and practical ways you can take care of your health shortly.
2. BUSY LIFESTYLE
The fast pace of modern life and the demands of work and family can make it difficult for Nigerians to prioritize their health. People may feel that they don’t have enough time to focus on their health or that there are other things that are more pressing.
3. RELIGIOUS BELIEF
Some people have decided to leave everything about themselves, including their health in the hands of their God. Others also find it difficult to seek medical help when the need arises because they believe that whatever they go through has some kind of spiritual undertone to it.
4. FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT
For some people, the cost of health care and the cost of healthy food and lifestyle choices can be discouraging. People may feel that they can’t afford to invest in their health, or they may choose to prioritize other expenses.
5. DENIAL
Sometimes people ignore their health because they don’t want to acknowledge that they have a problem. They may feel that they are invincible and that they won’t be affected by poor health, or they may be in denial about the seriousness of their condition.
6. LACK OF ACCESS
In some communities, especially the ones in rural areas, people may not have access to quality health care, healthy food options, or other resources that would allow them to maintain their health adequately.
7. UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE
People may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or overeating, and may ignore the long-term effects of these habits on their health.
8. MISINFORMATION
There is a lot of misinformation about health and wellness, and people may rely on false or incomplete information to make decisions about their health. In a country like Nigeria, people tend to believe almost everything they hear, without wanting to go through the stress of verifying such information.
9. PROCASTINATION
People may know that they need to take care of their health, but they may put it off because they feel overwhelmed or they don’t know where to start.
Ignoring one’s health can have serious consequences, including increased risk of chronic diseases, decreased quality of life, reduced life expectancy, etc. Hence, it is important for people to learn to prioritize health and to take steps to maintain their health and well-being. This may include making healthy lifestyle choices such as:
– Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
– Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein. Also limit your intake of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
– Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body and mind recharge.
-Avoid harmful substances: Stay away from tobacco, excessive alcohol, and illicit drugs, as these can damage your health and well-being.
– Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. This is a very cheap way of maintaining good health.
– Manage stress: In a country like Nigeria, where stress is almost inevitable, the best option is to learn to manage it. This can be done through engaging in fun activities that can help you relax, e.g. swimming, meditation, yoga etc.
-Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your weight within a healthy range through a combination of exercise and a healthy diet.
-Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you detect and treat any health problems early, improving your chances of a successful outcome.
-Stay socially connected: Maintaining strong relationships with friends, family, and loved ones can help improve your emotional health and well-being.
These simple and practical steps can help you take care of your health and improve your quality of life. Remember to prioritize your health and make it a part of your daily routine.
