The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Osun State Directorate, has called on Nigerians to prioritise heart health and adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This was made in a statement by the agency's spokesperson, Bunmi Olaseinde, on behalf of the State Director, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, on Tuesday. The statement was released as the world marked World Heart Day 2026, with a focus on raising awareness about heart disease and stroke.
The theme of the 2026 edition of World Heart Day is “Don’t Miss a Beat.” According to Adefarasin, greater awareness and preventive measures are essential to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerians. He identified high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Adefarasin urged citizens to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, saying early detection could help people take appropriate steps to protect their health. He also advised Nigerians to reduce their consumption of salt, sugar, and fried foods while eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This, he believes, can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The NOA director encouraged citizens to exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, manage stress, and ensure adequate rest as part of efforts to maintain a healthy heart. He warned Nigerians against ignoring symptoms, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, facial drooping, and speech difficulties, stressing the importance of seeking prompt medical attention when such symptoms occur.
Adefarasin advised Nigerians to “know your numbers, make healthy choices, stay active and don’t ignore warning signs. Don’t miss the beat — your heart matters.” He called on families, community leaders, schools, workplaces, and health institutions to promote heart-healthy habits, noting that daily lifestyle choices could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The NOA Osun State Directorate's call comes as part of efforts to raise awareness about heart health and promote preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases. By adopting healthier lifestyles and being aware of the risk factors, Nigerians can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases and maintain a healthy heart.
World Heart Day is an annual event celebrated on September 29 to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke. The event aims to promote heart health and encourage people to take action to prevent cardiovascular diseases. This year's theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” emphasizes the importance of being aware of heart health and taking steps to maintain a healthy heart.
Key points
- NOA urges Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- Early detection of risk factors can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Promoting heart-healthy habits in families, schools, and workplaces can contribute to preventing cardiovascular diseases.
