The management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), on Monday, organised
a five-kilometer “Walk for Life” to promote preventive healthcare among Nigerians.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, told journalists shortly after the walk that “walk as a form of exercise had proven
to help prevent a lot of diseases, ranging from cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and some cancers.”
Obaseki, who said that the “Walk for Life” was part of activities to celebrate the hospital’s 50th anniversary, added that “engaging
in different forms of exercises help to keep the body fit and healthy.
“The Walk for Life is a way to sensitise the public on the benefits of walking and how walking helps in preventing numerous diseases.
“The first step in healthcare is disease prevention, hence we are creating awareness about the need to exercise always.”
He said that most patients visit the hospital for curative purposes, noting that healthy living which involved regular exercise
is key to disease prevention.
“One of the dangers of modern day style of living is sedentary lifestyle. Many people sit in their offices from morning till
night without exercising their body.
“Once you are fit and maintain the right weight, a lot of diseases can be prevented,” he said.
The News Men reports that the five-km walk started from UBTH premises at Ugbowo
through Uselu market and back to UBTH premises.
Participants included UBTH board members, staff, students, patients and their families, fitness enthusiasts, journalists
and the public.