Gulu University has launched Physical Exercise-PE for its staff members aimed at reducing the increasing burden of lifestyle diseases.
The launch which attracted hundreds of both teaching and non-teaching staff took place at the Gulu University Ground on Monday 6th May, 2024 under the theme “Physical Exercise and Nutrition”.
This exercise was in compliance with the Ministry of Public service directive issued in march that all ministries, agencies and departments institute a-two-hour physical exercise sessions for purposes of promoting good health and physical fitness. Read More
Dr. Bishop Janan Loum, the Senior Nutritionist at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital who was the Key note speaker for the event pointed out the need for regular physical activities and good diet, noting that this reduces the risk of acquiring non-Communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and gout-a common and complex form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of joint pain, swelling and redness.
Dr. Loum said doing physical exercise also strengthens the muscles and keeps one fit and flexible hence improving the breathing rate, heart-beat, lung functions, saving them the burden of visiting orthopedics and physiotherapists.
He cautions the staff against the consumption of fast food saying this can lead to rapid spike in cholesterol levels thus having negative effects on our health. He encourages eating white meat with fruit blends like avocado, mangoes, Jack fruits, and passions fruits.
According to Dr. Loum, individuals should first test their cholesterol levels and Body Mass Index-BMI to help them come up with workable plans for engaging in proper physical exercise.
The normal BMI is 18.5-24.9kg/m2 and any measurement below or beyond that indicates ill-health. BMI is an indicator of the amount of fat in a person’s body which makes one considered either underweight or overweight.
Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, the Gulu University Vice Chancellor who was the chief runner used the launch podium to call upon all staff of the university to continue engaging in physical activities declaring that the physical exercise will be done on quarterly basis not only for physical fitness but also networking and socializing among staff members.
The Gulu University Secretary, David Obol Otori who took lead in organizing the PE launch commended the staff for their huge turnup and immense contributions towards this activity. He proposes an annual PE to be named “The VC Run” aimed at bringing together all staff in their various capacities to remember the historical 2024 launch.
Key activities that made up the historic event, first of its kind in the University were Aerobics, Mini-marathon, Tree planting and Healthy Eating sessions with organic fruits as main menu of the day.
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