Jul 2, 2025 | News
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) successfully conducted a free medical outreach at Otun Abese Community, Ibadan, Oyo State. Approximately 200 residents, comprising men, women, children, and the elderly, accessed essential healthcare services.
The outreach promoted health awareness, offered medical screenings, provided free medication, and educated the community on healthy living practices. The ROHSI approach focused on proactive health management and accessible care.
At the medical outreach, we provided health education where vital information on maintaining good health, regular medical screenings, and adopting healthy lifestyles were discussed with the participants
Also, there was medical screening to identify various health conditions early, especially on hypertension and diabetes, the two silent killers
Participants also received free medications courtesy of our sponsors and partners. On that day also some individuals that requires further medical attention were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities
Names of individuals with critical medical conditions were listed out for further support and follow-up through our WhatsApp community, where we shared daily health tips and other health opportunities
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors: Codix Pharma Nigeria, Kemisola Bolarinwa through Next Wear Technologies, Africa Social Enterprise Workshop (ASEW) for supporting our social enterprise scheme and other anonymous contributors.
To our host community, Otun Abese Community, for their warmth and hospitality, and our Board of Trustees, Management Team, Staff, and Volunteers for their dedication and hard work. To our family, friends, and ROHSI Community, we say thank you all for your support and generosity. We enjoy always
Major highlights of the outreach:
- A majority of residents are unaware of their health status, highlighting a critical need for increased health awareness campaigns.
- Even those aware of their conditions cannot access necessary care due to the escalating cost of medical services.
- There is an alarming surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes. This trend demands urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders.
- The preventable nature of many NCDs, which are tragically claiming the lives of our working and productive adults, is a significant concern that requires immediate and concerted efforts.
The surge in preventable #NCDs demands urgent intervention from government and stakeholders. We urge:
- The implementation of practical healthcare policies (beyond paperwork).
- Introduction of affordable indigenous health insurance schemes for underserved community
- More partnerships from governments, policymakers and organisations of like minds to expand medical outreach programmes.
We reiterate our profound gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, board, and team members for making this outreach a success. We remain committed to bridging healthcare gaps and working towards accessible quality healthcare for all.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
ROHSI Management Team.
May 31, 2025 | Healthy Tips
Every year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global initiative led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for stronger policies to reduce its consumption. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal”, focuses on the deceptive strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to attract new users, particularly young people.
As a leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) support organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) stands with the global community in amplifying the call for tobacco control, public health protection, and policy enforcement.
The global tobacco epidemic is a formidable threat, claiming over 8 million lives annually worldwide. Of these, more than 7 million deaths are a direct result of tobacco use, while an alarming 1.3 million deaths are due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. This exposure is a critical concern for ROHSI, as it also significantly increases the risk of NCDs in non-smokers.
In Nigeria, the situation is alarming:
- 3.4 million Nigerians (2.9% of adults aged 15+) smoke tobacco (2022 data).
- Male smokers (5.4%) far outnumber female smokers (0.4%).
- Tobacco-related diseases – cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and stroke – place a heavy burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
- Economic losses from tobacco-related illnesses and productivity decline further strain families and the nation.
While reports, such as one from the Tribune newspaper, suggest higher smoking prevalence in some northern states, ROHSI emphasises that tobacco use and its link to NCDs is a pressing issue across all regions, including Oyo State.
At ROHSI, we see firsthand the devastating impact of tobacco on individuals and families affected by NCDs here in Ibadan and across Nigeria.
This World No Tobacco Day, under the theme ‘Unmasking the appeal’, we urge a united front to expose the tobacco industry’s tactics that endanger our youth and perpetuate the cycle of NCDs. The first and most crucial step towards a healthier life, free from the threat of many NCDs, is to say NO to tobacco.
ROHSI encourages every Nigerian to reflect on the popular calls to action: “Breathe clean, live green. Quit tobacco today.”
The ROHSI team challenges every individual in Ibadan, Oyo State, and throughout Nigeria to consider making this powerful pledge: “Today, I am pledging to quit all forms of tobacco and nicotine, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha, and other harmful products, for my health and the health of my community.”
Join us in educating others on the dangers of tobacco and industry tactics, support smoke-free policies in workplaces, schools, and public spaces, advocate for stronger tobacco control laws in Nigeria, and help promote cessation programmes through counselling and support.
Together, we can unmask the truth and build a healthier, tobacco-free Nigeria!
About ROHSI:
Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, dedicated to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through awareness, advocacy, and community support programmes.
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Dec 30, 2024 | Healthy Moves
GOOD TO GREAT! TAKE YOUR WORKOUT TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN 2025
Friends, whether we go for short walks around our neighbourhood, sprint through 10-kilometre bike rides, or sweat it out at the gym, at some point we’ll think, “This isn’t as hard as it used to be!”
That’s good progress. But it might be time to move on.
We may have gotten so used to our routine that it’s simply too easy now. To get faster or stronger, or just beat boredom, it’s time to change things up.
It’s a fact: The best way to keep building muscle mass or burning calories is to make it a habit to switch up our workout—especially when we notice that our current plan has become comfy. It keeps us on our toes. We’re ready to turn our walks into jogs, lift heavier weights, or swim faster than we might have thought we ever would.
Get ‘FITT’
First, think about what we could do differently. Use the “FITT” principle of exercise—frequency, intensity, time, and type—to guide you.
Frequency: How many days a week do we work out?
If it’s twice a week, we should try to add a third day and see how it goes.
Intensity: How hard do we exercise?
Do we reach our target heart rate? That will help us boost our fitness. Our maximum heart rate is about 220 minus our age. Our target heart rate zone is 50% to 85% of that.
If we don’t want to do the math, ask ourselves if we feel like we’re really pushing ourselves or if the activity feels pretty easy. Could we work a little harder, whether that means picking up the pace or adding more weight or resistance?
Time: How long are our workouts?
If we jog for 20 minutes, we should try to keep it going for 30. Strolling around the neighbourhood for 45 minutes? Go a few blocks farther and make it 60.
Type: What specific exercises are you doing?
Consider going from walking to jogging, jogging to running, or adding a completely new activity—biking, swimming, Pilates, weight training, etc.
Turn to a Pro or a Pal
Consider a session or two, or more, with a certified personal trainer. They can help tweak our plan, whether we’re working toward a marathon or we want to lose those last 10 kgs. And they can make sure we don’t make too many changes too fast.
If we’re not interested in hiring someone—maybe getting professional help seems too expensive or time-consuming—we could team up with a workout buddy. It makes us more likely to stick with the plan and show up.
For the best results, we should pick a partner who’s slightly fitter than we are. Research shows that working out with a person who’s in better shape can motivate us to push ourselves harder.
Reap the Benefits
We need some extra incentive to get out of our current comfort zone. We can opt to “reward” ourselves for meeting mini goals along the way.
We can focus on small treats that aren’t food. For example, we could plan to go to a concert, get a manicure, or buy a pair of shoes we like after we’ve met our workout goals for the month/year.
Even better, we can steer ourselves away from tangible items and focus on how getting fitter would benefit our life. Do we want more energy to play with our kids or grandkids? Better sleep? Be in shape for an active vacation halfway around the world? Cross the finish line at a race or even take home a medal.
It’s all possible if we push ourselves just a bit further, over and over.
Courtesy! Rays of Hope Support Initiative and WebMD
Dec 29, 2024 | Healthy Tips
Dear ROHSI Community,
As we embark on a new year, let’s prioritise our health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are often called “silent killers” because they can develop without noticeable symptoms.
In 2025, we want us all to see the reason why adopting healthy living matters:
Going for early medical screening/detection saves lives: You going for your regular medical checkups is crucial for early detection and management of NCDs, especially hypertension, diabetes, and others.
It helps in adopting preventative measures! Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing or worsening these conditions.
Improved Quality of Life! Healthy habits lead to increased energy levels, better sleep, and an overall improved quality of life.
What are the steps to a healthier 2025?
Healthy eating! Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt intake.
Regular Exercise! Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. You can start with 30 minutes and, with time, increase it to more minutes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight! If you are overweight or obese, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice on weight management.
Manage your stress! Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature, or taking your mind off those activities that can lead to stress, will go a long way in making you healthy.
Regular Checkups! Seat with your medical team, schedule, and attend regular medical checkups, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings, among other recommended tests. All towards your wellness
Remember this! Making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your overall health, and consulting with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and support will go a long way in some of the avoidable health crises that can threaten our health and wellness as we age.
Lastly, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions regarding your health.
Let’s make 2025 a year of prioritising our health and well-being.
Sincerely,
The ROHSI Management Team
Apr 13, 2024 | Healthy Tips
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the main sugar our body uses for energy. It comes from the food we eat, especially carbohydrates. After digestion, our body breaks down these carbs into glucose, which enters our bloodstream. Here, a hormone called insulin acts like a key, unlocking the doors of our cells, and allowing glucose in for energy.
However, problems can arise if our blood sugar isn’t well managed. Chronically high blood sugar, often associated with diabetes, can lead to serious health issues. This is where meal planning comes in as a powerful tool.
For ROHSI members living with blood sugar concerns, meal planning can be a powerful tool. It goes beyond just choosing healthy foods; it’s about strategically creating a roadmap for your diet and empowering you to manage your blood sugar effectively.
Meal planning involves strategically choosing and preparing your meals and snacks in advance. Here’s why meal planning is a game-changer:
Stability! Regular, balanced meals keep our blood sugar from spiking or dipping dramatically. Planning ensures we have healthy options readily available, preventing unhealthy choices made in a rush.
Portion Control! Planning meals allows us to measure ingredients (appropriate serving) beforehand, avoiding overeating, a significant factor in blood sugar control.
Nutritional Balance! Planning helps incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Think lean protein for sustained energy, fibre-rich vegetables for slow digestion, and healthy fats for satiety.
Carb Awareness: You can plan meals with a focus on complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains and vegetables. These release glucose slowly, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to refined carbohydrates like white bread or sugary drinks.
Predictability! Following a meal plan establishes a consistent eating pattern. This predictability helps your body anticipate and regulate insulin release, leading to better blood sugar control.
Reduced Stress! Knowing what you’ll eat eliminates decision fatigue and grocery store overwhelm. This translates to less stress, which can also impact blood sugar levels.
We must add the following to our meal planning so as to achieve working blood sugar!
Inventory! We must check our pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Plan meals around what we already have to minimize waste.
Set Goals! We must consider our preferences and dietary needs. Focus on incorporating more non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Plan our meals! We must create a weekly schedule with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks.
Batch Cook! We must try and dedicate time to cooking larger portions of protein or grains that can be used in various meals throughout the week.
Get Creative! Try and explore healthy recipe options online or in cookbooks. Find low-carb alternatives for your favourite dishes.
Remember, meal planning is a journey, not a destination. Be flexible, adjust as needed, and most importantly, celebrate your progress! With consistent meal planning, you’ll gain control of your blood sugar and feel empowered on your path to a healthier you.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Dietary Unit
