Doctors have cautioned Nigerians, particularly young people, against excessive consumption of alcohol, energy drinks and other beverages, warning of potential harm to vital organs.
Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Okoro Sulaiman, gave the warning during a health programme organised by the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Unification Campus Fellowship of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abule Ojere.
Sulaiman said substances including alcohol and caffeine could negatively affect the body, urging residents to avoid habits that could damage their health over time.
He rejected the belief that consuming small quantities of alcohol was beneficial, saying total abstinence was the safest option.
“Alcohol itself is actually unhealthy for the system. The chemical content in these things—the alcohol, the caffeine, and some other constituents in these drinks is unhealthy for the system,” he said.
The doctor also advised residents to reduce their intake of salt, fried foods and beverages, while encouraging healthier protein choices such as fish, chicken, goat meat and snail.
He urged elderly people to consume more fruits, vegetables, water and yoghurt and adopt regular exercise as part of efforts to prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
Sulaiman also expressed concern over poor compliance with prescribed medication among Nigerians. He noted that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes require consistent management and adherence to treatment.
Another speaker, Dr Dosunmu Adesegun of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, said diet and lifestyle were major components of managing illnesses.
Adesegun said diet accounted for about 50 per cent of disease management, while lifestyle measures such as exercise, adequate sleep, rest and stress management contributed another 35 to 40 per cent.
He estimated the contribution of medication at between 10 and 15 per cent and urged residents to undergo regular medical check-ups for early detection of health conditions.
Adesegun also warned residents against patronising unqualified tattoo artists, saying poorly sterilised equipment could facilitate the transmission of infections.
The programme was held as part of the fellowship’s effort to support its host community.
Chairperson of Abule-Ijeun Kukute, Abeokuta, Mrs Mary Gbamigboye, thanked the organisers and medical team for the initiative and appealed to the government to address poor roads, inadequate access to clean water and high rents in the student community.
Chairman of the fellowship’s Graduate Forum, Bakare Adewale, said the programme was aimed at giving back to the community, particularly amid current economic pressures.
Alcohol, energy drinks can harm vital organs, doctors warn Nigerian youths
