February 11, 2024
… Also read: Fans with nine medical conditions that should not watch AFCON final
In anticipation of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has extended warm wishes to all residents supporting the Super Eagles.
The commissioner for health, Prof Akin Abayomi emphasized the importance of prioritising health during today’s exciting match against the Ivory Coast.
He said: “Residents are urged to consider the following health tips such as understanding physical limits, staying hydrated, taking breaks, maintaining good posture, staying calm, and being prepared for emergencies.
Here are some essential tips for citizens:
Know Your Limits: Understand your physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Crowded poorly ventilated hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fueled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game.
Take Regular Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. This can also help maintain alertness and prevent fatigue.
Maintain Good Posture: Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.
Stay Calm and Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and emotions during intense moments in the game.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarise yourself with the location of medical facilities and emergency exits at the venue, and know how to access help quickly if needed. Contact the Lagos Emergency Medical Team, LASAMBUS, at 767 or 112 toll-free line in case of a medical emergency.
We also urge viewing centres to ensure that venues where football matches are watched have adequate medical facilities and trained personnel on hand to respond swiftly in case of emergencies. This can make a significant difference in outcomes.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly.
Fans with nine medical conditions that should not watch AFCON final
Meanwhile, taking into cognisance the sudden deaths of some football fans while watching the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, cardiovascular health was suspected as the main cause, a serious warning was issued ahead of the final match between Nigeria and the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire scheduled for Sunday.
It could be recalled that Nigerian businessman, Osondu Nwoye, who was based in Cote d’Ivoire; a former lawmaker Cairo Ojougboh; and the Kwara State University Deputy Bursar, Ayuba Abdullahi are among those who died while watching the semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Therefore, experts have cautioned Nigerians to avoid getting over-excited during the games, and other emotional events, and to ensure that they take breaks if needed.
Following are nine categories of fans who should not watch the game:
1. Arrhythmias – An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. It is normal for your heart rate to speed up during physical activity and to slow down while resting or sleeping.
2. Sudden Heart Attacks – Sudden cardiac death can be defined as death resulting from abrupt loss of cardiac function with or without previous heart disease unexpected within one hour of onset of symptoms.
3. Stroke
4. Underlying heart conditions
5. Complications of hypertension – Experts observed that in heart diseases three out of every 10 adult Nigerians have high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their hypertensive status.
6. Cardiomyopathies
7. Valvular disorders
8. Pulmonary thromboembolism
9. High blood lipids/cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
