As the lockdown order continues in various forms across the country, National President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Dr Rufa’i Yusuf Ahmad, has warned Nigerians against a sedentary lifestyle without physical activities, urging all citizens to exercise the body within their various homes.
Dr Ahmad said in a statement released in Kano that a lifestyle that involves no physical activity is as deadly as any deadly disease.
According to the Physiotherapist, “during the lockdown in various States across the nation, it is important to encourage participation in physical activities even within homes to prevent the consequences of sedentary lifestyle which is a risk factor for many deadly diseases. A lifestyle that involves no physical activity is as deadly as any deadly disease could be and so, therefore, the people are advised to get engaged in one physical activity at home during the lockdown period.
“It is in view of this that the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy wishes to encourage the people of Nigeria to continue to observe measures to prevent the spread of the COVID – 19. While observing the social distancing and lockdown in some parts of the country, we encourage participation in physical activities even within homes to prevent the consequences of sedentary lifestyle which is a risk factor for many deadly diseases.
“NSP has certified physiotherapists in various specialties’ units that can manage Physiotherapy aspects of COVID-19 patients and are committed to providing services in these trying times.
However, as it is that the exposure of a Physiotherapist is profoundly very high by the nature of the profession which involves physical contact with patients, we, therefore, wish to request for adequate protection for Physiotherapists especially those that are respiratory specialists and those working in the ICU.”