Guyana: Healthy lifestyle is important for good health says Dr Anthony at Men on Mission movement

Guyana: The men of Region Two have been urged to practice a healthy lifestyle, given the high rates of chronic non-communicable diseases being recorded in Guyana. Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, reiterated this call on Saturday evening while delivering the charge to the Men on Mission participants in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The Health Minister said Guyana continues to record high incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases, among other non-communicable diseases, due to poor lifestyle choices.

Dr Anthony contended that these conditions are preventable if people follow healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, daily exercise and proper sleeping habits.

Underscoring the importance of nutrition, Dr Anthony warned of the dangers of carbohydrates, sugars and processed foods.

“We need to eat more fresh vegetables from our farm and lots of fish and avoid these sugar beverages and processed meats because these foods can lead to obesity which is a risk factor for so many diseases”, he told the gathering.

While emphasising that diet and exercise go hand in hand, the Minister noted that every adult should engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to help reduce their risk of diseases and improve the body’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Highlighting the importance of sleep, he noted that seven to eight hours of sleep is vital as sleep deprivation over time can increase a person’s risk of chronic (long-term) health problems.

“When we sleep, the body works to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health”, Dr Anthony said.

In closing his speech, the Health Minister highlighted the importance of being vaccinated and boosted against the deadly COVID-19 disease. To date, Guyana has recorded 71,548 cases of COVID-19 and 1283 deaths.