Dr. Emmanuel Okechukwu, Health Secretary to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, has advised Nigerians to take care of their mental and health issues, to ensure healthy living.

Okechukwu gave the advice at a Thanksgiving service in honour of the sick, to mark the World Day of the Sick, on Sunday, in Abuja.

He said Nigerians should keep fit, eat healthy foods and fruits, avoid toxic drinks, such as alcohol, to remain healthy.

“Incorporate lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts into a healthy diet. Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

“Healthy snacks are okay in moderation and should consist of items like fruits, whole grains, or nuts, to satisfy hunger and not cause excessive weight gain, he said.

Okechukwu said the visit to St Vincent de Paul hospital was to pray and assist the sick.

He said all over the world the church was celebrating the world sick day, which was initiated by the Pope.

He said the 2022 event marked the 30th, since the day it was initiated.

The theme of the 2022 event is “Be merciful even as your heavenly father is merciful”.

“The message is double edged, those who care for the sick and those who care for those who cares for the sick will be prayed for and blessed,” he said.

Okechukwu urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in caring for and helping the sick.

He appealed to individuals, leaders and those who could afford to assist the sick and the vulnerable in the society not to relent at extending such assistance.

He said they were at the hospital to offer prayers to the sick and support them with provisions and toiletries donated by the Catholic CARITAS Foundation of Nigeria.

Rev. Peter Danladi, Chaplain, St Vincent de Paul Hospital, Kubwa, said it was the duty of all citizens to care for the sick, old, needy and the vulnerable.

He also advised government and individuals to help upgrade health facilities and offset medical bills of the sick who can’t afford to pay.

“The government can come up with policies for free treatment and care for this aforementioned.

”The church also has a role to play in this, as we offer prayers and encourage the sick to he patient, to know God is the greatest healer, as we also render our support to them,” he said.

President, Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria, Mrs. Apollonia Dike, advocated for free maternal and child healthcare in the country.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and the government to support health facilities owned by non-governmental organisations to augment what was in the health sector.

She advised Nigerians to take their health seriously by avoiding the causes of ill health, and always praying for good health.

NAN reports that World Day of the Sick is a Catholic Church awareness day observed on Feb. 11, annually, with the aim of praying and sharing, sacrificing one’s suffering for the welfare of the church, and urging everyone to see the face of Christ in his or her ailing brother or sister.

In 1992, Pope John Paul II established the day to encourage people to pray for individuals who are ill and their care givers.

The pope showed signs of Parkinson’s disease in 1991, but it wasn’t verified until 2001. He chose to establish the World Day of the Sick, barely a year after his diagnosis.