As part of activities to mark 2024 global lifestyle medicine week, the UPTH lifestyle medicine center organized a panel discussion with resource person’s of repute, that drew participation both virtual and actual (Hybrid event) .
The panel discussion centered on the theme: “Stress Management in the era of Economic Downturn” with the sub-theme: “Optimizing sleep for health”
The center director, UPTH Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. O. N. Onya during the talk pinpoints electronic gadgets like Television, Laptops, Mobile Phones e.t.c as hindrance to quality sleep as people watch television and engage with their phones/laptops late into the night, disrupting quality sleep pattern. She also acknowledged that the present Economic downturn in the country, siting hindrances to sleep to the challenges with poor electric power supply, lack of water supply and cost of fuel in the country , encouraging people to should seek better ways to get over it with quality sleep.
A panelist, lifestyle medicine practitioner and chief medical director Juna Health Houston Texas U.S.A, Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke also spoke on the importance of Sleep, as he noted that good sleep produces a sound mind, good decision making, efficiency at work and increased lifespan.
Some Sleep Myths were also addressed and debunked such as “It is Lazy people that love sleep” at least eight (8) hours sleep is recommended. Another myth is the elderly or aged people don’t need much sleep but they actually do according to the discussant.
Nkem Dileem Ndiche , a panelist stated that the importance of quality sleep for overall health and general wellbeing cannot be overstated , recommending sleep for healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Onya , the pioneer director of the center since it’s establishment also made available two books to aid the public in their journey to healthy living -“ Food as Medicine ” and “ Sleep as Medicine” which were reviewed by Dr. Mary Okoh.
The public is encouraged to begin their stress management / healthy lifestyle journey by making a visit to center.
Highlight of the celebration was a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director Professor Henry A. Ugboma and the hospital management committee, where the team appreciated management for the support accorded the center since it’s inception. The UPTH Lifestyle medicine center is the first of it’s kind in any public health institution in sub saharan Africa. A power point presentation on the journey so far about the center since it’s start up was presented and an award of excellence was presented to the CMD, Prof. Henry A. Ugboma for his unwavering support for Lifestyle medicine.
The week long event featured Aqua, Dance Aerobic/yoga sessions, sensitization walk, and awareness campaign on selected media stations.
