The citizen and social action movement “The Blue Tide” organized last weekend, an awareness and sports day at the CEI stadium, located in the old Sobraga district, 1st arrondissement of Libreville, under the label “ Life Day” whose objective was to promote health and well-being through physical activities and conferences led by Gabonese and Korean experts in medicine, nutrition and stress management.
“The day was designed to allow people to feel good in order to be more productive for society,” said Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o, president of “La tide bleue”.
The program began with a dynamic fitness session, followed by presentations on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Residents of the 1st arrondissement were able to take part in enriching discussions on how to change mentality, improve mental health and adopt a healthy diet to prevent illness.
Mindset change: key to good mental health
One of the most striking interventions was that of Léa Park, specialist in education for mentality change and general secretary of the International Youth Fellowship.
According to her, “negative thoughts, stress… poison us”, and it is essential to adopt a healthy state of mind.
“The change in mentality begins with a change in point of view,” she added before insisting on the fact that the management of stress and emotions plays a central role in general well-being, affecting the both mental and physical health.
Nutrition: a determining factor for health
Nutrition was also at the heart of the discussions. Dr. Grace, a nutrition specialist, explained that stress is part of psychosomatic illnesses, and that, coupled with poor nutrition, it can have serious consequences on health. In particular, she warned of the dangers of food stored in cans, fried foods and inappropriate cooking methods.
According to the nutritionist, it is crucial to avoid dishes rich in saturated fat, such as niembouet, grated chocolate (odika) or even peanut sauce, very popular in Gabon. “ These foods, while delicious, can lead to cardiovascular disease and increase blood lipid levels, leading to problems like high cholesterol. “, she clarified. It also highlighted the difference between “good” cholesterol, which is essential for hormone production, and “bad” cholesterol, which can be dangerous for your health.
Practical advice for a healthier diet
The specialist advised favoring healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, rather than boiling or frying foods. She also recommended limiting the consumption of red meat, a potential source of cancer, as well as cassava, whose acidity can cause digestive problems. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of favoring fresh foods and reducing the frequency of consumption of processed foods.
The day ended on a positive note, with participants motivated to apply the advice received, both in their diet and in their stress management.
“Life Day” thus made it possible to raise awareness among a wide audience of issues related to mental and physical health, while promoting intercultural exchanges with Korean experts. A moment of popular education which, according to the organizers, should have lasting repercussions on the quality of life of the participants.
Betines Makosso
2024-11-10 08:17:00
#citizen #movement #tide #bleue #organizing #awareness #day #Libreville
**Interview with Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o, President of “La Tide Bleue”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Aurélien. Can you tell us about the goal of “Life Day” organized by “La Tide Bleue”?
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** Thank you for having me. “Life Day” was created to promote health and well-being in our community. We wanted to engage residents in physical activities and discussions about mental and physical health. The ultimate goal is to help individuals feel better so they can contribute positively to society.
**Editor:** The event included fitness sessions and conferences. What feedback have you received from the participants?
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many participants expressed that the fitness sessions helped them invigorate and motivated them to change their lifestyles. The discussions, especially those led by experts, inspired attendees to reassess their mindset regarding health and nutrition.
**Editor:** Speaking of mindset, Léa Park emphasized the importance of changing one’s point of view for better mental health. How do you view the relationship between mentality and overall health?
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** Léa’s insights are vital. Our mindset directly influences our daily decisions and overall health. By adopting a positive perspective, people can manage stress better, which is essential in maintaining both mental and physical health.
**Editor:** Nutrition was a key topic at the event as well. What steps do you believe the community should take regarding their eating habits?
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** It starts with awareness. We learned from Dr. Grace about the dangers of certain popular foods and the importance of a balanced diet. I believe our community should begin to integrate healthier cooking methods, focus on whole foods, and reduce reliance on processed items.
**Editor:** What are your hopes for future initiatives by “La Tide Bleue”?
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** My hope is to continue raising awareness about health and well-being. We want to host more events like “Life Day” and collaborate with experts to provide our community with the tools they need to live healthier lives. Ultimately, we want to create a culture of health in Gabon.
**Editor:** Thank you, Aurélien. Your commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of your community is truly inspiring.
**Aurélien Valentin Ndemezo’o:** Thank you! It’s a collective effort, and together we can make a difference.