FOR OUR HEALTH’S SAKE

By Ryhaan Shah

President Dr Irfaan Ali recently urged all Guyanese to set aside at least 30 minutes each day for physical activity as concerns continue to be raised about cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases affecting the population.
Through these weekly columns, we have been learning about the absolute importance and necessity of movement and exercise if we are to stay healthy, even as we grow older. The President is right to urge everyone – young and old – to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.
Now, many of us may not be able to manage 30 minutes of exercise every day, but as we have been learning, doing as many minutes as you can will help lower the risk of developing serious and chronic illnesses.
If you are housebound and using a walker or cane, you can still do some walking for as many minutes as you are comfortable with. As we age, changes in our balance, strength, vision, hearing, and medication use can all increase the likelihood of slipping and falling.
While falls are not a normal part of ageing, they remain one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly, and injuries to arms, legs, hips, and our back can create serious issues for our mobility and our independence.
There are several precautionary measures we can take to ward off the dangers of falling, starting with our home environment. Family members can help ensure that there are clear pathways to help us move about safely and comfortably.
Walkways, stairs, and hallways should all be free of clutter, as rugs and carpets are the most common items that cause trips and slips. They should either be secured or removed completely.
Furniture placed too close together forces tight turns and awkward movements. You can rearrange rooms to create wide, direct paths for the most-used routes, such as from the kitchen to the living room area.
Lighting should also be clear and bright, and switches should be easy to reach and turn on. Grab bars should be a must in areas like bathrooms, but they can also be used in other parts of the home to ensure proper safety.
While our footwear can be stylish, they should also fit well and have soles with good grips. Loose-fitting slippers or very high heels would not be sensible options as we grow older and become unsteady on our feet.
If any medications or combinations of medications are causing dizziness or low blood pressure, these should be reviewed with your doctor to ensure you feel safer and steadier while moving about.
Head of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Dr Mahendra Carpen, also recently raised concerns over what he described as an apparent increase in sudden deaths among young adults in Guyana. He said cardiovascular disease was a leading cause and noted that individuals in their 20s to 40s have been dying unexpectedly, including during sleep or while engaged in routine activities.
He warned about the risks of severe uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. He also urged people experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or light-headedness to seek medical evaluation and encouraged everyone to get regular health checks.
The President has also called for a holistic approach to nutrition and made a case for healthier eating habits and for health education to be added to the school curriculum. At the same time, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony highlighted unhealthy diets, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity as factors contributing to preventable illness and disease.
Over the past months, these columns have underscored the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for the elderly. Thus, the call from the President and leading health care officials adds critical voices to the national health programme as we all try to improve our health and lower our risk of developing life-threatening illnesses such as stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes.
The President has also announced plans for the government to work with religious communities on public health and primary healthcare initiatives. Such a programme would include health checks, counselling, and efforts to change lifestyles and living habits for the better.
“Give your body the energy, give your body the fuel, give your body the chance to be victorious. Give your body the chance to be optimal. Let us do this together, Guyana,” President Ali urged. It is an important call coming from our Head of State, and we should heed it for the national good and for our health’s sake.