Health
Making Family Exercise a Fun Activity
In today’s world where modern technology has us glued to our screens, teens and adults alike are woefully inactive. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), global estimates show that one in four adults and more than 80% of adolescents do not do enough physical activity.
Physical activity is critical for human health, and adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do to improve their health and well-being. Evidence is emerging that shows that physical inactivity is associated with a heightened risk of serious illness and death. On the flip side, researchers have concluded that it takes a mere 11 minutes of daily movement to extend one’s lifespan!
Encouraging children and teens to put down their devices and get up to move around more may seem like an impossible challenge to parents, but, says Dr Helen Okoye, medical expert and spokesperson for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign, the trick is to find fun activities that align with your family’s interests and preferences.
“If your family exercises together, it can be both fun and beneficial for everyone, and when you enjoy the exercise, it’s more likely to become a sustainable part of your routine,” says Dr Okoye. People love social interaction, and exercising with others is a powerful motivator. Research shows that if you enjoy exercise, you are more likely to stick with it. Exercising with others can supply that enjoyment even if the activity itself is difficult or otherwise not something you love.
Plan fun activities
Create family fitness challenges. Set achievable goals and celebrate achievements together. This could be a certain number of steps per day, minutes of exercise, or completing a workout routine as a team. Encourage everyone in the family to join in on this year’s World Thrombosis Day 60 for 60 Challenge, which invites everyone globally to move against thrombosis by getting up and moving every 60 minutes for 60 seconds from October 1 until October 13.
Schedule regular family walks, either in the neighbourhood or at a local park. It’s a simple way to spend time together while being active. Or plan family bike rides. Choose scenic routes and make it an enjoyable outing for everyone. Outdoor games together are a great way to get the family moving, such as football, basketball, tennis, or even a game of catch. Explore nature together by going on family hikes. Find trails suitable for all fitness levels and ages. Another fun way to keep everyone engaged is by trying Quizado, an interactive quiz platform that turns learning and play into a shared experience. Families can use it to challenge each other with trivia games, sparking friendly competition while spending quality time together.
You could also designate a specific night each week for family sports. It could be anything from a game of volleyball in the backyard to playing tennis at a nearby court. Take advantage of local playgrounds. Engage in activities like playing tag or having a friendly family race. Or try short online exercise videos – YouTube has tons of short exercise classes online, from yoga to dance and cardio, that families can do together.
The benefits of getting everyone in the family to learn to adopt an active lifestyle are endless, points out Dr Okoye. As a spokesperson for WTD, she is only too aware of how being sedentary for extended periods of time can lead to medical complications, one of them being the danger of a blood clot.
“When you’re sedentary for too long, your blood flow slows down, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where clots form in the legs. If a part of the blood clot breaks off it can travel to the lungs, forming a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal. Just getting up and moving around to get your circulation going again is a simple, effective way to reduce that risk,” she cautions.
According to Dr. Okoye, it’s a common misconception that only the old and sickly develop blood clots. Thrombosis can happen to anyone, at any time, and although some people are more at risk, and blood clots are far more prevalent in adults than children, our modern lifestyles see teenagers spend far too much time being inactive. Shockingly, the term gamers thrombosis has been coined, referring to teens who have presented with blood clots after being immobile for extended periods of time while playing video games.
Globally, says WHO, 81% of adolescents aged 11-17 years are insufficiently physically active. Teenage girls are less active than adolescent boys, with 85% vs. 78% not meeting WHO recommendations of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day.
It’s vital, says Dr Okoye, to ensure that everyone in the family learns the value of regular exercise. “Make sure to create a positive and supportive atmosphere. The goal is to make exercise enjoyable and something the family looks forward to doing together,” she says. Additionally, involving everyone in the decision-making process can help ensure that the activities chosen are enjoyable for each family member.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the recall of a sexual enhancement product known as WAP Sensual Enhancement Capsules.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian agency disclosed that the recall is due to “undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients” in the product, whose country of origin is unknown, but is marketed and distributed online in the US through eBay.
It was emphasised that the recall is being “voluntarily” made by the manufacturer, Best Supplements Best Prices Company.
The detection of the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients was made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Laboratory analysis by the US FDA revealed that the product contained undeclared sildenafil, tadalafil, and flibanserin, which were not mentioned on the product label. Such substances may include phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors or related compounds commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the statement by NAFDAC stated.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are ingredients in FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
It was noted that these undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Flibanserin is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription drug used to treat low sexual desire in women. Flibanserin can cause drowsiness, sedation, dangerously low blood pressure, and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol.
Consumers have been encouraged to report compromised products (medicines or medical devices) to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf******@********ov.ng.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Dr Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO).
The body was created by the Ministry of Health under the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
NHTDAO will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated.
The agency will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda. It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies, it was emphasised.
The organisation will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
It was stated that President Tinubu expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens.
Mr Adigwe, as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area. During the last pandemic, Adigwe globally showcased African science by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.
The Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight, comprises:
- Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
- Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
- Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
- Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
- Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
- Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain
- Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
- Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- National Information Technology Development Agency Representative
- Six representatives of the State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
- Pharm Hamza Buhari, Stakeholder representing Industry and Community.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has kicked off an initiative to ensure that every newborn is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
It was gathered that babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing.
The Head of the Haematology Department at the Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Olubukola Orolu, revealed that an estimated 150,000 babies are born annually with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria, giving the country one of the highest SCD burdens globally.
She, however, applauded the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the state-wide newborn screening programme, describing it as a major step towards reducing childhood deaths associated with the disease.
The commencement of this scheme coincides with the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, themed Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.
It highlights the importance of listening to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Mrs Orolu noted that SCD warriors are increasingly breaking barriers as advocates, leaders, students and change-makers, adding that their voices have continued to reshape the narrative through advocacy for equitable, patient-centred healthcare, self-care and experience sharing.
She, therefore, called for equal access to quality healthcare, survival opportunities and dignity for everyone living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Also commenting, the chief executive of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that individuals living with the condition are more susceptible to infections.
He advised SCD warriors to stay well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme cold or heat, as these are common triggers of sickle cell crises, adding that these preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
One of the participants, Ms Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the enlightenment programme.
Sharing her personal journey, she spoke about the challenges of balancing recurrent pain crises with her academic pursuits and personal life. Despite moments of frustration, she encouraged fellow warriors not to lose hope.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said, adding that her personal experience with Sickle Cell Disease inspired her to pursue a career in nursing so she could support others living with the condition.
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