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As more Nigerians embrace the benefits of physical activity and fitness regimens, senior healthcare professionals have warned against abusing exercise and overexerting the body. The experts urged fitness enthusiasts to adopt moderate training routines for long-term health and wellness, noting that excessive workouts could lead to severe health complications, including sudden collapse and, in extreme cases, death. They also advised individuals to seek professional guidance to determine appropriate fitness plans instead of self-prescribing intense workout routines. Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor of Physiotherapy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Rufus Adedoyin, said while regular physical activity is essential for optimal health, it must be approached with caution. He noted that overexercising could result in injuries, muscle strains, frustration and, in rare instances, fatalities. “Exercise can be abused just li...

Certain fruits like grapefruit, pineapple, avocado, and kiwi can aid in burning belly fat, due to their fiber, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds. According to The Times of India , fruits are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, which helps control hunger by making you feel fuller for longer periods. Their natural sweetness also satisfies cravings for sugary snacks, offering a healthier alternative. As a result, they can prevent the accumulation of belly fat and support your weight loss journey. Health experts highlight the following nine fruits as particularly effective for reducing belly fat and supporting overall weight loss: 1. Grapefruit A grapefruit, cut in half, on a plate. Illustration photo by Pixabay Studies suggest that grapefruit can help lower insulin levels, promoting weight loss. Its high fiber and low-calorie content further support fat burning. In addition, grapefruit may improve immune ...

By Albert Allotey Accra, April 05, GNA – Mr Labram Musah, the Executive Director of the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) has urged the public to take physical activity seriously to prevent diseases. He said noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers, respiratory diseases were on the rise and the only means of preventing or reducing them was through exercise. Mr Musah gave the advice in an interview after leading some staff members of the Ministry of Health in aerobics as part of the commemoration of the World Physical Activity Day 2025 in Accra on Thursday. He said physical activity was one of the potent medicines that God has given mankind and encouraged everyone, especially offices and establishments to fix some days for exercise to increase the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff. “People of all walks of life, children, old people, young men and women, everyone should get involve in p...

By Adolf Kaure. The MTC Dome wellness manager, Nicka Engelbrecht said at the recent launch of Namibia Medical Care’s Glowlife Lifestyle programme at Swakopmund’s MTC Dome that digital health is an assessable way for patients to gain healthcare. “Digital health is something new, not only here – not only in other countries but also in Namibia.” “We are really trying to cultivate a culture of health and wellbeing here in Namibia. Technology is the new way to do it,” she said. The NMC Glowlife Lifestyle programme is designed to provide mindfulness, encouragement and a community that fosters health and wellness. The programme consists of three elements, which are a wellness culture, the Dome wellness centre and the wellness calendar. It promotes healthy lifestyles and offers routine medical check-ups, with the assistance of a virtual wellness coach on Whatsapp. “Through the Whatsapp Bot, we educate clients by giving them insight and information. Digital he...

I am turning 48 soon and feel more exhausted than ever. Physical activities leave me breathless, and intense work pressure gives me headaches. Aging only makes it worse. Recently, I have had to cut out sugary drinks, alcohol, and fatty foods. Work stress keeps me up at night, making me realize how much my health is declining. I get sick more often and need medication regularly. I will admit—drinking and smoking are bad habits I have not been able to quit. A tired woman lays on a sofa. Illustration photo by Pexels To improve my health, I have decided to change my lifestyle. I focus on eating better, exercising regularly, and reducing work pressure. I now have dinner at 6:30 p.m., prioritizing vegetables and nutritious foods while avoiding greasy meals. After that, I take time to rest and finish any remaining work. I sleep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. While I do not sleep as much as I did when I was younger, I aim for 7-8 hours. Anything les...

By Albert Allotey Accra, April 04, GNA – The Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) and the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) have called for adequate investment in physical activities to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among the people. This was in a solidarity message read by Mr Labram Musah, the National Coordinator of GhNCDA, and the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana as they joined the Ministry of Health to commemorate the World Physical Day 2025 in Accra on Thursday. This year’s Day was on the theme: “Have a Good Time! Be Active!” which emphasised the importance of physical activity to life. The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the profound benefits of physical activity and to mobilise efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and The New You (TNYOU) Fitness with the launch of “Ghana Walk 2025” as part of their 10th anniversary on the theme, “Active ...

KCB Bank Uganda, a leading regional financial institution, is proud to announce its participation as the main sponsor of the Kyambogo Ultra Challenge Run, continuing its commitment to improving the health of Ugandans through sports. This year's event, scheduled for 3rd May 2025, will take place at the Kyambogo University Sports Grounds, starting at 6:00 AM. For years, KCB Bank has been a strong supporter of various sports initiatives in Uganda, including rugby, Volleyball, golf, and motorsports. The Kyambogo Ultra Challenge Run underscores its dedication to fostering a culture of health and wellness among Ugandans. The event offers participants a choice of three challenging distances: 50km, 25km, and 10km, catering to both seasoned athletes and casual runners. Speaking at the announcement, Sheila Awori, Ag. Head of Marketing and Communications emphasized the significance of the event when she said, "Our passion for supporting sports in the country is one o...

READ MORE: Cooking oils used by millions linked to cancer A variety of foods that make up a healthy diet contain compounds that researchers now believe could turbocharge the growth of tumors. Eggs, tofu, seed oils, and nuts contain essential Omega 6 fatty acids that the body cannot make on its own. Maintaining a balance of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3s is crucial for brain development, bone health, metabolism regulation, and other vital bodily processes. The body only needs these heart-healthy fatty acids in small quantities, and doctors recommend taking in more omega-3s in the form of salmon and other oily fish and nuts. Omega-6s, though, generally come in the form of vegetable oils used in cooking, processed foods, and fast food, and Americans consume a lot of them. The Western diet is packed with an omega-6 called linoleic acid, which has been linked to higher levels of inflammation and cancer growth. Now, researchers at Weill...

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], April 4 (ANI): Researchers and experts attending the recently-held international conference on "Harmonizing Movement: Integrating Yoga with Sports Science for Peak Performance" in Chandigarh at the NSNIS, Patiala, highlighted why lack of sleep and careless consumption of herbal supplements could be injurious to the wellness of top athletes. For the first time, the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics had doctors who were part of the medical team that managed sleep among athletes who participated in the Summer Olympics according to the Sports Authority of India. Experts highlighted the role of yoga and meditation to keep elite players stress free and perform at peak levels. Satbir Singh Khalsa, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, said yoga helped optimize sleep that in turn control disorders like obesity, diabetes, stroke and hypertension. "Sleep is very important...

PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 4: Endura Mass, the leading weight gain supplement brand from Cipla Health, has partnered with Lucknow Super Giants - the franchise team of the Indian Premier League as their 'Official Weight Gainer Nutrition partner.' With this strategic partnership , the brand intends to strengthen its connection with the audience as the most trusted weight gainer in the country. As a pioneer in India's weight gain category, Endura Mass has empowered more than 100 million individuals over the last 20 years to achieve their desired weight with a science-backed product. A vegetarian formulation rich in essential nutrients , and available in delicious flavours , it is designed to support holistic well-being. The association with Lucknow Super Giants strengthens the brand play and spreads awareness about the importance of weight gain benefit starting ...

Regular walking can be a powerful tool in reducing belly fat by helping your body burn calories, preserve lean muscle, and manage weight effectively. A person walking. Illustration photo by Pexels According to Healthline , walking is an effective way to target visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdomen and can be harmful to your health. A 2021 review found that walking was successful in reducing visceral fat when done three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can reduce belly fat and enhance your overall health. This is primarily due to walking’s ability to help your body burn calories, a crucial factor in losing belly fat. Physical activity requires energy, and walking increases your calorie expenditure. A 2021 study showed that walking burns about 107 calories per mile (1.6 kilometers), depending on factors like weight, gender, and pace. This calorie burn helps create a calor...

By Wollen Nell Namdeb Head: Safety, Health & Operation Risk Management. Building a health-first culture in the workplace is no longer just about preventing physical injuries – it is about fostering an environment where overall well-being is prioritized. In industries like mining, where safety regulations have traditionally been centered on physical injuries, the focus is now shifting. Companies are recognizing that health and safety extend beyond protective gear and hazard identification; they encompass mental and emotional well-being as well. As a result, companies are recognizing the importance of adopting a collaborative approach to encourage employees to report deviations in the workplace or any situation that could lead to harm. When speaking of a truly safe workplace in any company, it is important to note that such a workplace is one where employees feel physically secure, emotionally supported, and mentally resilient. They, in turn, make better ...

PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 3: With a growing emphasis on health, fitness, and personalized wellness, the use of supportive devices has become a priority. In response to this, a strategic partnership has been announced between Clearcals , a digital health startup, and Garmin India, along with AMIT GPS & Navigation LLP. This collaboration is intended to provide advanced health and fitness tracking for Hint, Clearcals' nutrition app users by integrating Garmin's wearable technology with Hint's nutrition intelligence. People with busy schedules often find it challenging to maintain proper nutrition and fitness. Launched in 2021, Clearcals' Hint is a highly rated calorie counter app in India that offers dietitian consultations and personalized diet plans for weight loss, muscle gain, and managing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, PCOD, and hypothyroidism. The app tracks calorie burn from wo...

Daughter says co-founder of health and beauty chain Phillip Wain in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, died on March 14 at his home in Australia Edwin "Eddie" Phillips, businessman and co-founder of health and beauty club chain Phillip Wain in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, has died of lung cancer at the age of 74. His daughter, Natasha, announced the news on Wednesday, saying that Phillips died on March 14 at his home in Byron Bay, Australia. Phillips, known for bringing aerobics to Asia, established the fitness chain with his business partner, Barry Wain, in the city in October 1977, before expanding to Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. "He was a talented entrepreneur from a young age and was passionate about fit...

READ MORE: How I cured years of back pain in MINUTES with cheap therapy Ice baths and polar plunges could fight off disease and even slow aging — but there's a catch. A small study suggests that in order to reap the benefits of subjecting yourself to painfully low temperatures, you have to stay in the cold water for an hour. Researchers in Canada tracked 10 young men who were immersed in an ice bath for 60 minutes a day for seven consecutive days. Blood samples were taken before and after the immersion, and were then analyzed in a lab to assess cellular health. Cells showed a boost in their autophagic system, the cellular 'recycling' system that breaks down and reuses old parts, which boosts longevity. Analysis of blood biomarkers also showed that there was a reduction in inflammation and cellular damage. 'We were amazed to see how quickly the body adapted,' said physiologist at the University of Ottawa Dr Kelli King ...

Cramming exercise into just one or two days a week is enough to slash the risk of early death, a study suggests. People who followed the ‘weekend warrior’ approach were much less likely to die from any cause, heart disease and cancer than those who were inactive. And the benefits were remarkably similar to those who spread their physical activity into smaller chunks throughout the week. Researchers said their findings show exercise patterns do not matter as long as people achieve 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate to vigorous activity each week. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , examined data on more than 93,000 people from the UK who wore FitBit-style trackers on their wrist. Dr Zhi-Hao Li, who led the study at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China , said: ‘You don’t need to exercise every day to stay healthy. ‘As long as you get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week — wh...

The guidelines cover screening, assessment, education, and management. The Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, led by the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, has launched Singapore’s first set of guidelines on sexual health for women of reproductive age. The guidelines for healthcare professionals provide a framework that covers screening, assessment, education, and management across all stages of reproductive health. It also recommends integrating sexual health discussions into routine consultations and introduces standardised assessment tools such as the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) and the PLISSIT model. The guidelines were unveiled by Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information.

READ MORE: Fitness experts reveal the best time of the day to go to the gym Crunches are the ab exercise you need to add into your regular workout to improve your core strength, a fitness trainer suggests. Joseph David, a New York City based trainer, claims that core work is important to be able to 'stand tall and walk with confidence and purpose'. 'Your core is the base of everything, and the No. 1 thing you have to be able to do is pick yourself up, mentally and physically - so it starts with core. Any movement is good movement.' The best way to build core strength is by doing crunches , the certified coach says. Similarly to sit-ups, this popular abdominal exercise involves laying on your back with your knees bent and hands placed on either side of the body or behind your head. Once you are in position, lift your head and shoulders off the ground before releasing and and resting your head back on the ground Crunches ar...

We all know to worry about fat around our waists or clogging our arteries. But now there is a new place to potentially be concerned about – secret stashes of fat accumulating in your muscles. A growing body of international research is finding that people with these hidden pockets of fat – known as intermuscular fat – could be at higher risk of some health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And potentially even those without a very high BMI may be affected. Muscles were generally thought to mainly be made up of lean tissue in long, cylindrical, closely packed strands. But researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, US, have found there is a wide variety in how much fat people have in-between these lean fibres. These small bits of fat are like the ‘marbling’ of fine lines of white fat you see on beef steaks that add succulence. But while this might be desirable in meat, in human bodies it is less welcome...

READ MORE: Common bedtime habit wreaks havoc on your sleep A professional psychologist has revealed the five most common sleeping positions that suggest you may be under high stress. Dr Kyle Osbourne, a clinical psychologist at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Philadelphia, said stress and sleep quality are closely linked , with stress impacting sleep and poor sleep exacerbating stress. When you are under stress, your body releases cortisol, a critical hormone in managing your body’s reaction to stress. In addition to controlling our sleep-wake cycle, cortisol helps us regulate our metabolism and reduce inflammation. Prolonged, elevated cortisol levels or chronic stress can disrupt these processes, leading to inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety, depression and even the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This link between sleep and stress can also interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps your body slee...