‘Diabetes, cancer no longer associated with only the rich’

A Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry, Omobola Abioye Ogundahunsi, says diabetes, cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)  are “increasingly being recognized as major health issues of epidemic proportions in poor and low-income communities.” This, Ogundahunsi noted, negates  the previous stance when those chronic diseases were mostly associated with affluence. She spoke while delivering the 93rd inaugural […]

A Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry, Omobola Abioye Ogundahunsi, says diabetes, cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)  are “increasingly being recognized as major health issues of epidemic proportions in poor and low-income communities.”

This, Ogundahunsi noted, negates  the previous stance when those chronic diseases were mostly associated with affluence.

She spoke while delivering the 93rd inaugural lecture of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. The lecture was titled “To Eat, or not to eat? That is the question.”

The inaugural lecturer blamed the prevalence of the NCDs on microbial and environmental contaminants in food, micronutrients deficient environments, occupational hazards, lack of exercise as well as high fat, high salt and high sugar.

According to her, as humans we make over 200 health – related decisions every day and these choices influence our well – being and ultimately longevity.

Ogundahunsi advocated at least, 30 minutes a day of exercise, five times a week, as a critical factor “in reducing the risk of NCDs”.