(PANORAMA)

BY REBECCA AKINMOLAYAN

A RESPONSE to my last week’s article is that was it actually meant for Nigerians, how many Nigerians will enroll for a course in the Red Cross?What makes some people live long while their mates do not? It is a question that has dogged some of the finest minds for generations. A long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but it also depends on good habits. If you adopt the right lifestyle, experts say, chances are that you may live up to the century mark. Though many are responding to the call to change in diet and exercise, the guarantee of living a long life goes beyond these rituals. Experts reveal that our position in the hierarchy of long life is influenced by two things — how much control we have over our lives and what role we play in society. This holds true for every group in society, from politicians to those living in poverty.It is all about our mindsets too. One thing everybody should know is that they own their bodies and are therefore responsible for what ever happens to them. Our thoughts lead to our actions and if you do not value your self, how can your take care of your body? Everyone should realise that he or she should exercise a level of control over his or her bodies. This was the original reason for the article. Also, anyone who wants to live long will not take unnecessary health risks. Tell some people to stay clear of tobacco; it is akin to banishing them to Antarctica. Limit the intake of alcohol, another no-go area and they want to live long. These are attractive poisons with chronic effects, that is, the results of their damage does not come immediately but many years later when you are counting your years and wishing to add more to them.How much do you know of your body? With so much information, ‘in the air’, many are still ignorant of how the body they carry around everyday works. And that is every small pain takes them to the dispensary and thereby render themselves open to exploitation by the unscrupulous. Study your body, it will save you time and money. It is not uncommon to hear many people when they return from overseas boasting of the superb treatment they got over there. Ask them about the treatment and the reason for it, they become speechless. When you visit the hospital, ask questions, and don’t let your body be used for guesswork or experiments.Be immunised; not against polio or tetanus this time but against the negative influence of life and the bad-belle people aroundFinally, enjoy your life, you only have one go at it.