Dr Suleiman Haruna, Chairman, Heart Recovery Foundation (HRF), says the foundation is committed to nurturing both physical and emotional heart health.
Haruna said this at a school outreach at the Government Secondary School Tudunwada, in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, today’s event focused on something that beats the core of every one of us that is literally and figuratively our hearts.
” My dear and beloved youths, your hearts are not just a pump keeping you alive. It is the symbol of your passions, resilience and connections.
” In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases are rising and the stress among young people is often overlooked.
“Poor diet, inactivity, and unchecked stress today can shadow your future, but the good news is that you hold the power to change this narrative,” he said .
Haruna said that in the reality of life, between examination’s, social pressures, and digital overload, life could feel like a relentless race.
“Many of you may skip meals, lose sleep, or bottle up anxiety. I have seen brilliant students dim their light because they forgot to care for their hearts, both physically and emotionally.
” This is not just your struggle; it is a generational challenge. Change starts with simple choices which is move your body, dance, walk, play sports because it is not just fitness but it is a joy,” he added.
He urged the students to nourish wisely by swapping soda for water, fried snacks for fruits, as doing such your body would thank you.
Regarding pause and breathe, Haruna said that when stress hits, they should close their eyes, inhale deeply and remember that this too shall pass.
“Talk it out by sharing your struggles with friends, teachers or mentors. A problem shared is a problem halved.
” Imagine a school where you lift each other, checking on a friend, sharing healthy habits, or starting a ‘Heart Health Club’.
” You are not just students; you are leaders. Your actions can ripple across Abuja and beyond.
“Today, I challenge you to pledge to make one heart-healthy choice. Text a friend who is struggling, join our foundation’s workshops, or simply choose a fruit over chips,” he urged.
He appealed to them to guide their hearts fiercely because it is their superpower, stressing that together they would build a future where every heartbeat thrives.
Also speaking, the Founder, HRF, Gilbert Godwin, said the programme aimed to detect heart conditions early and prevent needless deaths.
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Godwin said that the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) is supporting the free heart health education, screenings, and fitness sessions across government secondary schools in the FCT.
He said that most families in Nigeria cannot afford the cost of heart surgeries, which range from N7 million to N30 million.
“Most families cannot afford that kind of money; one child in Buhari died two weeks ago, we tried to raise funds, but it was delayed and we lost the child,” he said.
He highlighted that the foundation raises funds for children needing heart surgery and works with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) to manage identified cases, however, the government also needs to step in.
“When we discover a hole in the heart, the foundation raises money. But the government needs to subsidise treatment; it is a birth defect but not the child’s fault,” he said.
Dr Pascal Anumili, Lead Doctor at the Foundation, said congenital heart disease was common but often goes undetected in Nigeria due to poor access to diagnostic facilities.
“Over 9 in 1,000 patients in Nigeria suffer from congenital heart disease, but many symptoms go unnoticed,” he said.
He explained that the foundation used schools as entry points to bridge the gaps in detention and management.
“Most facilities do not have what it takes to diagnose this heart condition, but with the help of the foundation, we will be able to identify those at risk.” He said.
Anumili urged Nigerians and philanthropists to support efforts to tackle heart-related challenges in the country.(NAN )
