A United States-based medical practitioner, Dr. Adeniyi Akande has warned that a toxic relationship kills faster than many diseases.
According to him, it is better to cultivate a healthy relationship with loved ones and other neighbours to stave off health issues that toxicity brings.
During a health talk organised by the Iroko Community Grammar School Old Students Association where he addressed students on healthy living, Akande emphasised the need for the consumption of food rich in protein, regular exercise and fulfilling principles that promote mental health. The physician urged everyone to leave in peace with their neighbours.
Akande said: ‘Let’s be proactive about our mental health. Don’t feel ashamed to visit mental health specialists. Set health boundaries. Live a life balanced and fulfilling. Each of us is responsible for our health. Don’t just take care of your health, take charge also. Taking charge of your health is the greatest investment you can make in your future’.
At the event attended by many old students of the school, including the Alumni President, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, a lecturer at the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lagos, Prof. Mrs Abidemi Tella emphasised the importance of exercise and moderation in sugar as well as salt consumption.
She said: ‘Watch your sugar and salt intake. Take calcium to maintain stronger bones. Of course, exercise is the foundation of physical health. We need to stay active. Just walking around the compound can be beneficial to our health. So, it is not until you run from one end of the filed to another before you exercise.
‘Exercise strengthens the muscle and bones. It boosts your mood and reduces stress. It lowers blood pressure. It improves blood pressure. It keeps weight under control, reduces anxiety and depression’.
Earlier, Bolaji addressed the students on the Assembly, offering them success tips as he told the stories of great people like Elon Musk, Serena Williams and Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie.
He said: ‘As students, you may sometimes feel that success is something far ahead in the distant future — something to think about only after graduation. But let me tell you the truth: your future is not waiting for you somewhere down the road. Your future is being shaped right now, in the choices you make daily, in your habits, in your commitment to learning, and in your mindset toward growth and success’.
Also in the spirit of giving back, seasoned journalist and performance poet, Akeem Lasisi, who is also an alumnus of the school, donated some of his books to the institution. Among the works received by the Principal, Mrs. Funmilola Olu Daniels, who thanked Bolaji and his team for the great strides they are taking in their alma mater, are Right Option English (a lexis and structure textbook for candidates of West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations, Narional Examination Council and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination), African Citations (a collection of Lasisi’s poetic tributes), Child of May (children poetry) and Ekun Iyawo (a modernised version of Yoruba’s bridal poetry).
General Secretary of the old students association, Mr. Oluremi Bello read out other programmes the alumni will be holding every month in the school. Among such are Exploring Investment Opportunities and Business Networking holding this month, Financial Management and Budgeting (March), Skills Acquisition for Survival in Today’s World (April) as well as Personal Branding and Online Presence (July).
Admonishing the students on issues of health care and discipline, Bello said: ‘You are very lucky. Information is power. Don’t endanger your health in any way. Don’t overeat. Don’t smoke. Don’t take drugs. They may bring temporary pleasure but those who engage in the acts may pay for it throughout their lives. As you are going into the world, you will see many things that will tempt you but you must always be firm on safety and health’.
At the programme with Bolaji were other alumni such as T. O. Sulaiman (1985 set), Abiodun Ayinla (1982), Akinyode Femi (1983), Abayomi Akande (1999), Sunday Oyewole (1984), Bunmi Bamiduro (1982), Iyabo Adeleke (1982), Adeniyi Akande (1982), Oladele Musbau (1982), Engr. Lawal Sulaiman Olalekan, (1983), Ganiyat Anifowose (1982), Kunle Adejare, Funke Akanke (1982), I. Adumadeyin (1982), Joseph Akintayo (1982), Kunle Ayorinde, Salau Funmilola (1982, Olabode Idayat (1982), Kunle Ayorinde (1982), Gbenga Oke (1982), Wahab Ganiyat (1983), Oladiran Ismaila (1983), Lady Evang. M. O. Adeyemo (1985), Olatunde Peter Ayobami and Akeem Lasisi (1984).
