By Chioma Obinna
Following the death of over 17.1 million people globally from heart related diseases last year, a workplace environment that is smoke free coupled with exercise and stress free moments have been identified as major factors for improved health.

Speaking during a one -day seminar organised by the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN) Ikeja Zone for members of Area G Police Command, Ogba,Ikeja as part activities to mark this year’s World heart Day” the Guest Lecturer, Pharm. Chijioke Onyia noted that unhealthy lifestyle among Nigerians is currently fuelling the sharp rise in poor heart health.

Onyia in his lecture entitled; “Work Place Wellness: Take responsibility for Your Own Heart Health” stressed the need for workers to demand a 100 per cent smoke free in the workplace and encourage employers to provide help to those wanting to quit tobacco.

“The risk of cardiovascular disease increases in linear fashion with the number of cigarettes smoked each day leading to a twofold risk of death among smokers compared to non smokers.

“A diet high saturated fats and trans fats leads to abnormal levels of fats in the blood and it is a risk factor for CVD. Again, a diet high in salt increases the risk of developing high blood prssure too.”

Onyi stated that the changing trend in diet said people now consume more sweetened diets which have a higher calorie than ever before which is currently affecting the low income countries and precipitating a rise in the prevalence of CVD.

Onyia who further regretted that inactivity has become the order of the day in the workplace called on organisations to include physical activity in their working schedules.

Speaking the ACPN Ikeja Zone’s Secretary, Pharm. Livinus Emereonye said the programme was part of the organisation’s Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) to the police as one of the country’s busy profession and misconstrued.

“The Police has continued to contribute their best to nation building inspite of  the criticism against them But we should imagine a situation where there is no police, what the nation would look like.

“We decided to enlightened them due to the stressful nature of their work. Again, their lifestyle is also a big challenge. We decided to do this to help them function well healthwise.

Represented by Administrative Officer Area G, Mrs Omolara Domitola the Area Commander, Area G Police Command who descried the seminar as a good gesture stressed the need for the police officers to put to use the outcome of the seminar urging them to participate fully in the free health checks.

There were   free health checks which include, random blood sugar test, high blood pressure , choloseterol, weight and height check and Body Mass Index amongst others.