Preventive Health Specialist Urges Retirees: “Let Food Be Your Medicine”

Senior citizens have been advised to make food their medicine, as the old adage goes.

Ogugua Onyeachonam, a preventive health specialist, gave this advice during the National Union of Pensioners, Onitsha Chapter’s end-of-year meeting at the Onitsha North Local Government Secretariat.

According to Onyeachonam, the food you eat will either keep you or harm you. She emphasised the importance of older people eating more natural foods, citing local rice as a better option than polished rice. “Avoid the intake of processed food,” she warned.

Onyeachonam also reminded the men in attendance that prostate issues are a common experience for many men.

Drawing from her personal experience as a health practitioner who neglected her own health while caring for others, resulting in her having a stroke, Onyeachanam urged everyone to prioritise self-care. “You are your own best doctor,” she said.

In line with this advice, research has equally shown that a balanced diet rich in natural foods can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, while whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provide essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.

Therefore, by making informed food choices and adopting healthy eating habits, retirees can reduce their risk of chronic diseases and maintain their physical and mental health as they age.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman, NUP, Onitsha chapter, Dr Amaka Osemenam, confirmed that she has received her retirement benefits from the state government and encouraged other retirees to take control of their finances by investing in Treasury bills.

Dr. Osemenam explained that investing in Treasury bills is a low-risk option that can provide a steady stream of income, pointing out that the interest rate and duration may vary per time.

*Kelechi, Ogochukwu and Ifeanyi are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State