Few months ago, a leading National newspaper (Guardian News Paper) published the result of a research conducted by some prominent Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria. "Researches conducted by some Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. have identified heart related issues such as stroke, Heart attack as the major causes of over 93.7% of the sudden and unexpected deaths (SUD) in the Country. The researches also found that more males than females at a ratio of 2:1 are affected and the average age of the victims is 47.3 years. They blamed the rise in SUD on rural to urban migration, increased salt and fat intake from the consumption of processed foods. increased tobacco use and sedentary lifestyle.
The researchers admitted that most cardiovascular diseases and conditions are largely preventable. if not necessary curable. They located most of the causative factors on the doorstep of lifestyle, saying that if only most Nigerians can embrace a healthier lifestyle and culture of fitness, lifestyle expectancy will be greatly enhanced.
To this end, we aim to (in collaboration with relevant stakeholders) organize the SHAPEUPNAIJA also known as the "NIGERIA FITNESS CHALLENGE" in the month of October every year. Observance of such is already customary in Countries such as Dubai, America, United Kingdom, Australia and several other parts of the world to help mitigate the preventable mortality and morbidity in Nigeria.
