Health
AS Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating World Health Day WHD 2026, a public health physician, Dr Omolade Falade, has warned against some common harmful health myths.
Falade, from Bethel Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, asserted in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that the public should rather adopt evidence-based lifestyle changes.
NAN reports that WHD is celebrated every April 7, with the 2026 theme as “Together for Health, Stand with Science”.
The specialist debunked the myth that cutting out carbohydrates was key to weight loss.
“Carbohydrates are a major source of energy and fibre.
“The challenge is the type of carbohydrates we eat.
“Unrefined or minimally refined carbohydrates, obtained from oats, fruits, Ofada/Abakaliki rice, millet, guinea corn, yam, sweet potatoes, cassava, and wheat, are healthy.
“These should be taken in moderate amounts.
“However, refined carbohydrates found in white flour products such as cakes and puff-puff, artificially sweetened drinks and soft drinks, should be avoided or taken on rare occasions,” she said.
Falade also warned against diet fads, such as skipping meals to lose weight, saying this may initially look effective, but ultimately, it leads to an increase in weight gain.
“This is due to increased hunger and the slowing down of body metabolism,” she said.
According to her, not all fats are unhealthy.
“Fats and oils from certain fish, like the mackerel, nuts and olive oil, are healthy and important for proper brain function and hormone production.
“The emphasis should be on reducing the intake of unhealthy fats such as refined vegetable oils, butter, margarine, full cream milk and palm oil,” she said.
She said food supplements have their place, but that they should be taken based on the advice of health specialists.
“It is important to note that supplements don’t replace balanced meals, which provide our bodies with nutrients from the different classes of food, which our bodies need to function optimally.
“Not all ‘natural’ or herbal products are safe.
“Some could cause dangerous effects in our bodies due to the components or lack of appropriate processing or excessive use, as there may be no appropriate dosage for use,” she said.
The public health specialist also debunked the myth that thin people are healthy.
“This is an extremely dangerous myth as it may lead to a careless lifestyle and the lack of routine medical checks.
“Everyone needs to have routine medical checks, which should include measurement of the weight and height of the individual, and Body Mass Index calculation.
“Others include the physical examination of the different systems in the body, blood pressure measurement, as well as laboratory investigations such as blood sugar, etc.,” she said.
Falade, therefore, recommended a gradual reduction in the quantities/portions of processed foods and unhealthy intake of fats and salt.
She advised a gradual increase in the intake of fruits, vegetables and water.
“We need to drink a minimum of three litres of water per day, avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks and artificial fruit juices; stop smoking and reduce alcohol significantly.
“Nigerians, particularly those in the higher socioeconomic class, should incorporate walking into their daily lives.
“Walk short distances rather than using transport; park some distance away from your destination and walk; whatever opportunity there is, walk!
“It is important to go for routine medical checkups and screening for diseases; ideally, an annual medical checkup is encouraged.
“Avoid self-medication and harmful substances such as tobacco, excess alcohol and hard drugs such as marijuana and other social drugs,” she said.
According to her, stress is normal, but when it becomes prolonged (chronic) or not appropriately managed, it contributes to hypertension, heart disease, anxiety and depression, poor quality sleep, among other dangers.
She recommended the following as coping strategies to manage stress: meditation (praying), deep breathing, regular social interactions with friends and family, exercise, and, if needed, seeking professional help from a counsellor/psychologist.
Falade recommended brisk walking as a form of exercise, being independent of specialised equipment/training.
“Brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days a week, can make a difference.
“It is affordable, safe, and sustainable, and research has shown it is highly effective.
She also stressed the importance of sleep, recommending at least seven hours of daily sleep for adults.
“To improve the quality of our sleep, we need to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, sleeping and waking up about the same time daily.
“Sleep in a dark, quiet and cool room.
“Avoid screens (phones, laptops, television, etc.) between 30 minutes and 60 minutes before bedtime and avoid heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol at night.
“Engage in regular but moderate exercise; note that extreme exercise just before bedtime could interfere with sleep quality,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to encourage group physical activity, promote home gardens for fresh produce, and support one another in adopting healthy habits.
Falade said the theme of the day highlights and celebrates the success in protecting the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet, using the One Health approach.
“The One Health approach is a strategy that encourages collaboration and the multisectoral cooperation across human health, animal health and environmental health to achieve optimal health outcomes across the board.
“It is based on the premise that human health is closely linked to animal and environmental health.
“As we celebrate WHD, the governments, health workers, development agencies, and everyone are encouraged, not just to celebrate the progress made over the years, but also to share our stories.
“These buttress the role science plays in health protection, disease prevention and the building of a healthier future,” she said. NAN
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APR. 7, 2026
Tags: FALADE nigeria WHD