Experts advocate healthy lifestyle to reduce mental disorder

A Neuro Rehabilitation Specialist, Dr Chibuike Mbamalu, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles to keep their minds active and protect their brains.

He said that cerebral malaria, obesity and several other common ailments are increasingly predisposing people to brain disorders. According to him, cognitive activities are important for brain health, particularly when accompanied by a high-quality diet and regular exercise.

Speaking at an event organised by the Brain and Spine Foundation in Abuja, Mbamalu stated that having some kind of job that causes much stress, physically and mentally, puts one at high risk of brain disorder if adequate balance is not maintained.

Mbamalu noted that while there are no definitive cures for many neurological disorders, adding that understanding and addressing risk factors can significantly alleviate the burden.

He said: “It’s important for someone to consciously engage in a healthy lifestyle that exercises the brain. At least, 30 minutes of exercise every day is helpful. People are also encouraged to engage in games or puzzles that would put the brain to work, otherwise it could increase the chances of getting down with brain issues. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are dangerous, and cause brain disorders, especially stroke.”

Also, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), FCT Chapter, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, stated that the brain is not only a sensitive part of the body that requires adequate attention.

Ugwuanyi, who was represented by Dr Etukumawa Iboro, observed that most of the cases of brain and spine injuries are caused by the reckless activities of some individuals, including commercial motorcycle operators otherwise known as “Okada,” and stressed the need for enforced use of protective helmet by both the riders and passengers.

On his part, a Consultant Cardiologist, Defence Medical Centre, Abuja, Dr Anthony Ajemba, called for the establishment of specialised centres to cater to people with brain damage. Ajemba lamented that there is currently no standard neurological centre in the country, and many neurological sections in some hospitals are moribund.

He noted that government needs to have neurological centres in all six geopolitical zones with trauma centres as most of the problems are caused by trauma. Ajemba stated that the neurological centres must be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro nurses and physiotherapists.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the foundation, Miss Chika Okwuolisa, said that neurological disorders remain significant contributors to disability that impact global health through conditions such as stroke, meningitis and epilepsy among others

She decried the dearth of neurologists not only in Nigeria but globally, saying that there are on average, only 3.1 neurologists per 100,000 people, while low-income countries like Nigeria, have as low as 0.1 neurologists per 100,000 people compared to 7.1 per 100, 000 people in high-income countries.

She called for increased awareness of brain injuries, neurological conditions and their traumatic effects on victims, adding that most people spiritualise and attribute it to the “works of the enemy.”

Okwuolisa noted that neurological conditions include brain aneurysms, brain tumors or cancer, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and tumor, and dementia among others. “If we invest in brain health, we are investing in the future of our society. It is time for African leaders to rise and champion brain health and aspire to reach global standards,” she added.