Engaging in physical activities reduces risks of sudden death, diseases – Nasarawa CMD, Ikrama insists

From Abel Zwànke, Lafia

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Ikrama Hassan, has urged citizens to incorporate regular physical exercise into their daily routines to mitigate the risks of sudden death and non-communicable diseases.

Speaking during the finals of a football competition organized for the hospital staff yesterday, Ikrama emphasized the importance of fitness for physical and mental health. 

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the tournament, held as part of a week-long sporting event, aimed to promote wellness among hospital employees.

Highlighting the benefits of exercise, Ikrama noted, “Engaging in physical activities reduces the risks of sudden death and conditions like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. 

“Exercise also fosters relaxation, camaraderie, and mental well-being. Health is wealth, and physical fitness is essential for overall health improvement.”

Ikrama further explained that the initiative was born out of growing concerns over cases of sudden death in the general population, often linked to physical inactivity.

“This is the first competition of its kind in the hospital, and we decided to start internally by promoting fitness among our staff. We are committed to making this a continuous tradition, introducing more sports like basketball and lawn tennis in the future,” he said.

The football competition culminated with the Management Team securing a 2-1 victory over the Department of Nurses in a closely contested final match.

An awards ceremony followed the match, where outstanding staff members were recognized for their dedication. Ikrama used the occasion to encourage other organizations in Nasarawa State to adopt similar initiatives.

“Organizations should create platforms for their staff to engage in sports and fitness activities. It not only improves physical and mental health but also builds team spirit and fosters a more harmonious workplace environment.

” We are already planning to collaborate with other organizations for inter-organizational competitions,” he added.