““LEADERS MUST STAY LEADERS MUST STAY HEALTHY”HEALTHY”

TEXT OF A LECTURE DELIVERED TEXT OF A LECTURE DELIVERED

BYBY

LION GBOLA ADEBISI NLCFLION GBOLA ADEBISI NLCF

AT THE AT THE

LIONS YOUTH OUTREACH DAY FOR MD 404B, LIONS YOUTH OUTREACH DAY FOR MD 404B, NIGERIANIGERIA

ON FRIDAY 14 APRIL 2006 ON FRIDAY 14 APRIL 2006

AT AKOWONJO LIONS CLUB HOUSEAT AKOWONJO LIONS CLUB HOUSE

AKOWONJO, LAGOS STATEAKOWONJO, LAGOS STATE

SEVEN DEADLY SINSSEVEN DEADLY SINS COMMERCE WITHOUT ETHICSCOMMERCE WITHOUT ETHICS PLEASURE WITHOUT CONSCIENCEPLEASURE WITHOUT CONSCIENCE POLITICS WITHOUT PRINCIPLEPOLITICS WITHOUT PRINCIPLE KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT

CHARACTERCHARACTER SCIENCE WITHOUT HUMANITYSCIENCE WITHOUT HUMANITY WEALTH WITHOUT WORKWEALTH WITHOUT WORK WORSHIP WITHOUT SACRIFICEWORSHIP WITHOUT SACRIFICEMAHATMA GHANDIMAHATMA GHANDI

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES At the end of this interaction, participants should At the end of this interaction, participants should

be able to:be able to: Explore the connections between health status, Explore the connections between health status,

life balance, leadership effectiveness and overall life balance, leadership effectiveness and overall well-being.well-being.

Gain a clear understanding of your unique health Gain a clear understanding of your unique health risk factors and learn practical lifestyle strategies risk factors and learn practical lifestyle strategies to achieve optimal healthto achieve optimal health

Discover how to incorporate regular exercise into Discover how to incorporate regular exercise into a demanding schedulea demanding schedule

Learn nutritional strategies that will improve your Learn nutritional strategies that will improve your energy and productivity levelenergy and productivity level

Know that each one should take active interest in Know that each one should take active interest in his/her healthhis/her health

The paths of glory lead but to the grave"  The paths of glory lead but to the grave"  Thomas Gray (1716-71)Thomas Gray (1716-71)

DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONSLEADER- according to Longman’s Dictionary of LEADER- according to Longman’s Dictionary of

Contemporary English 3Contemporary English 3rdrd Edition – - IN CONTROL - The Edition – - IN CONTROL - The person who directs or controls a team, organization, person who directs or controls a team, organization, country etccountry etc

LEADERSHIP – (ibid) – The position of being the leader of LEADERSHIP – (ibid) – The position of being the leader of a team, organization etc. a team, organization etc.

““Leadership is communicating to people their worth andLeadership is communicating to people their worth andpotential so clearly that they come to see it in potential so clearly that they come to see it in

themselves”themselves”Stephen Covey – an internationally respected leadershipStephen Covey – an internationally respected leadershipauthority, family expert, teacher, organizational authority, family expert, teacher, organizational

consultantconsultantand founder Covey Leadership Centre. and founder Covey Leadership Centre. HEALTH – Good Health as defined by WHO – “state of HEALTH – Good Health as defined by WHO – “state of

complete physical, mental, and social well – being and not complete physical, mental, and social well – being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

LEADERS MUST STAY LEADERS MUST STAY HEALTHY HEALTHY

In looking at Health of Leaders – In looking at Health of Leaders –

5 Key Issues will be considered. These are:5 Key Issues will be considered. These are: Eating habits – what you eat makes youEating habits – what you eat makes you Life style issues – Exercise and fitnessLife style issues – Exercise and fitness StressStress WaterWater Health AwarenessHealth Awareness

LEADERS MUST STAY LEADERS MUST STAY HEALTHY – WHY?HEALTHY – WHY?

The Power of Healthy LeadershipThe Power of Healthy Leadership""Optimizing the health of your executives fosters Optimizing the health of your executives fosters better work performance, greater productivity and better work performance, greater productivity and extended longevity for your company. Healthier extended longevity for your company. Healthier executives are mentally sharper, more energetic and executives are mentally sharper, more energetic and maximize the return yielded upon their development. maximize the return yielded upon their development. Good executive health is good business!"Good executive health is good business!"

Steven Masley, MD, FAAFP, CNSSteven Masley, MD, FAAFP, CNSMedical Director, Carillon Executive HealthMedical Director, Carillon Executive HealthAuthor, Author, Ten Years Younger,Ten Years Younger, Random House, 2005 Random House, 2005

Characteristics of Healthy LeadersCharacteristics of Healthy Leaders Purpose centered and people minded; Purpose centered and people minded; Inner-directed; Inner-directed; Always sure of his or her beliefs and convictions; Always sure of his or her beliefs and convictions; Not dogmatic or fixed in his/her thinking; Not dogmatic or fixed in his/her thinking; Capable of hearing and evaluating the viewpoints of Capable of hearing and evaluating the viewpoints of

others; others; Able to discard old beliefs in favor of new; Able to discard old beliefs in favor of new; Can listen without reacting; Can listen without reacting; Can communicate without antagonizing others; Can communicate without antagonizing others; Is secure within him/her self; Is secure within him/her self; Functioning is not affected by praise or criticism; Functioning is not affected by praise or criticism; Can respect the identity of others without becoming Can respect the identity of others without becoming

critical or emotionally involved in trying to change critical or emotionally involved in trying to change others; others;

Characteristics of Healthy Leaders continuedCharacteristics of Healthy Leaders continued Able to assume responsibility for self and to avoid over-Able to assume responsibility for self and to avoid over-

responsibility for others; responsibility for others; Aware of his/her dependence on others while also being Aware of his/her dependence on others while also being

free to enjoy relationships; free to enjoy relationships; He/she does not have a “need” for others which impairs He/she does not have a “need” for others which impairs

healthy functioning; healthy functioning; Others do not feel “used”; Others do not feel “used”; Not prone to engage in polarized debates; Not prone to engage in polarized debates; Realistic in the assessment of self and others; Realistic in the assessment of self and others; Not preoccupied with his/her place in hierarchy; Not preoccupied with his/her place in hierarchy; Has healthy self-expectations; Has healthy self-expectations; Able to adapt to most stresses without developing Able to adapt to most stresses without developing

symptoms.symptoms.

AESOP’S FABLE OF THE GOOSE THAT LAYS AESOP’S FABLE OF THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGTHE GOLDEN EGG

A farmer discovers a golden egg among the eggs laid byA farmer discovers a golden egg among the eggs laid byHis goose. His goose. He gets the egg appraised by experts and it was found He gets the egg appraised by experts and it was found to be pure gold. The same thing happened the nextto be pure gold. The same thing happened the nextday and every day thereafter. The farmer becameday and every day thereafter. The farmer becamefabulously wealthy. But with the increasing wealth, comesfabulously wealthy. But with the increasing wealth, comesgreed and impatience. Unable to wait day after day for thegreed and impatience. Unable to wait day after day for thegolden eggs, the farmer decides to kill the goose and getgolden eggs, the farmer decides to kill the goose and getAll the eggs at once. But when he opens the goose heAll the eggs at once. But when he opens the goose hefinds it empty. There are no golden eggs and now there isfinds it empty. There are no golden eggs and now there isno way to get any more. The farmer has destroyed theno way to get any more. The farmer has destroyed thegoose that lays the golden egg. goose that lays the golden egg.

Mind, Emotions, and HealthMind, Emotions, and Health

“ “ Thoughts and emotions affect all vital organs and systems ofThoughts and emotions affect all vital organs and systems ofthe human body; nervous, immune, hormonal, circulatory, andthe human body; nervous, immune, hormonal, circulatory, andreproductive.” Hence, says Professor Marek Kowalczyk of thereproductive.” Hence, says Professor Marek Kowalczyk of theMilitary Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Warsaw,Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Warsaw,““people who live stressful lives suffer from colds and flu twicepeople who live stressful lives suffer from colds and flu twiceas often as others.” And depressed women, he adds halveas often as others.” And depressed women, he adds halvetheir chances of becoming pregnant. The Polish magazinetheir chances of becoming pregnant. The Polish magazineWprost also reports that while stress may not cause Cancer, itWprost also reports that while stress may not cause Cancer, itcan accelerate the development of dormant cancer.” Anger toocan accelerate the development of dormant cancer.” Anger toomay harm health, for it is believed that aggressive, hostilemay harm health, for it is believed that aggressive, hostilepeople have greater incidence of coronary disease, makingpeople have greater incidence of coronary disease, makingthem more vulnerable to a heart attack.”them more vulnerable to a heart attack.”Source: “AWAKE!” Magazine, edition of January 8, 2004 Source: “AWAKE!” Magazine, edition of January 8, 2004

STRESSSTRESS10 CRUCIAL POINTS ABOUT STRESS10 CRUCIAL POINTS ABOUT STRESS Stress is difficult to define because it is different from each of us. A ride Stress is difficult to define because it is different from each of us. A ride

on a steep roller coaster may be terrifying to some while mere fun for on a steep roller coaster may be terrifying to some while mere fun for othersothers

Stress – an unavoidable consequence of life. Some are inescapable, but Stress – an unavoidable consequence of life. Some are inescapable, but there are some about which you can do something. Need to distinguish there are some about which you can do something. Need to distinguish between the two. Learn the difference between things you can change between the two. Learn the difference between things you can change and the ones you can do nothing aboutand the ones you can do nothing about

Stress affects us in different ways. Meditation, muscular relaxation and Stress affects us in different ways. Meditation, muscular relaxation and aerobic exercises, jogging, yoga etc can be very effective against stressaerobic exercises, jogging, yoga etc can be very effective against stress

Very important to realize that perception is key in stress. Stress may not Very important to realize that perception is key in stress. Stress may not always be due to external events, but how we view those eventsalways be due to external events, but how we view those events

Always remember that Stress is something that is entirely under your Always remember that Stress is something that is entirely under your control. Nobody can make you inferior without your consent control. Nobody can make you inferior without your consent

STRESSSTRESS10 CRUCIAL POINTS ABOUT STRESS continued10 CRUCIAL POINTS ABOUT STRESS continued If you have been treated unfairly, or have a reasonable request, learn to act If you have been treated unfairly, or have a reasonable request, learn to act

assertively but responsibly. If not satisfied with outcome, persist in politely assertively but responsibly. If not satisfied with outcome, persist in politely repeating your points of view from time to time, even if you begin to sound like repeating your points of view from time to time, even if you begin to sound like a broken recorda broken record

Learn to say NO, when confronted by a request you suspect will probably be Learn to say NO, when confronted by a request you suspect will probably be stressful or time consuming. You can never please everybody.stressful or time consuming. You can never please everybody.

Learn to manage your time such that you allow time for adequate relaxation, Learn to manage your time such that you allow time for adequate relaxation, recreation and sleep. Take time out to get in touch with your true feelings, recreation and sleep. Take time out to get in touch with your true feelings, needs and desires. Make honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.needs and desires. Make honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

Establish some appropriate goals – to enable you fully utilize your talents. Establish some appropriate goals – to enable you fully utilize your talents. Unrealistic aspirations lead to frustrations and rob you of the stress – reducing Unrealistic aspirations lead to frustrations and rob you of the stress – reducing benefits that come with pride of achievementbenefits that come with pride of achievement

A strong social support system is a powerful stress – buffer. Family and friends A strong social support system is a powerful stress – buffer. Family and friends serve that need. Try to do something you enjoy that benefit others. Thank God serve that need. Try to do something you enjoy that benefit others. Thank God you are LIONS and WE SERVE!you are LIONS and WE SERVE!

SOME COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTONS OF STRESSSOME COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTONS OF STRESS Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousnessExcess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness Gritting and grinding of teeth, stuttering or stammeringGritting and grinding of teeth, stuttering or stammering Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughtsFrequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreamsInsomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams Tremors, trembling of legs and handsTremors, trembling of legs and hands Neck ache, back pain and muscle spasmsNeck ache, back pain and muscle spasms Lightheadedness, faintness and dizzinessLightheadedness, faintness and dizziness Chest pain, palpitation or rapid pulseChest pain, palpitation or rapid pulse Cold or sweaty hands and feetCold or sweaty hands and feet Diminished sexual desire or performanceDiminished sexual desire or performance Rashes, itching, hives, ‘goose bumps’Rashes, itching, hives, ‘goose bumps’ Increased or decreased appetiteIncreased or decreased appetite Increased smoking, drinking and usage of drugs – hard or OTCIncreased smoking, drinking and usage of drugs – hard or OTC Frequent urination Frequent urination

Executive Health:Executive Health:

Common CharacteristicsCommon Characteristics

Meals are often missed, irregular or poor in Meals are often missed, irregular or poor in quality quality

Boardroom food does not supply the balance Boardroom food does not supply the balance and nutrition necessary for optimal and nutrition necessary for optimal performance performance

Caffeine is used as a stimulant Caffeine is used as a stimulant Physical environments are often not optimal Physical environments are often not optimal Stress is frequent and not released Stress is frequent and not released

When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.

Mark Twain (1835-1910)Mark Twain (1835-1910)

STAYING FIT, STAYING HEALTHYSTAYING FIT, STAYING HEALTHY

1.1. There is an emerging consensus among health professionals There is an emerging consensus among health professionals that physical activity need not be of vigorous intensity for it that physical activity need not be of vigorous intensity for it to improve health. Health benefits appear to be proportional to improve health. Health benefits appear to be proportional to amount of activity; thus, every increase in activity adds to amount of activity; thus, every increase in activity adds some benefit. some benefit.

2. Frequency rather than intensity of exercise is key. Thus, a 2. Frequency rather than intensity of exercise is key. Thus, a moderate amount of activity can be obtained in a 30- minute moderate amount of activity can be obtained in a 30- minute brisk walk, 30 minutes of lawn mowing or raking leaves, a brisk walk, 30 minutes of lawn mowing or raking leaves, a 15-minute run, or 45 minutes of playing volleyball.15-minute run, or 45 minutes of playing volleyball.

3.3. Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary heart disease,general, and of coronary heart disease,

hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Physical activity also improves mental health and particular. Physical activity also improves mental health and is important for the health of muscles, bones, and joints. is important for the health of muscles, bones, and joints.

TAKE CHARGE, TAKE AN ACTIVE TAKE CHARGE, TAKE AN ACTIVE INTERESTINTEREST

Too many of us do not have the slightest idea of how to Too many of us do not have the slightest idea of how to maintain good healthmaintain good health

When illness strikes, we rely on our doctors to cure us.When illness strikes, we rely on our doctors to cure us. We fail to realize that “the cure” comes from within. We fail to realize that “the cure” comes from within. Nature has provided us with a wondrous immune system, Nature has provided us with a wondrous immune system,

and all we have to do is take proper care of this inner and all we have to do is take proper care of this inner healing force.healing force.

Repeated studies show that even modest changes in Repeated studies show that even modest changes in lifestyle can bring marked changes in health. For lifestyle can bring marked changes in health. For instance, the longer people stay on their feet during the instance, the longer people stay on their feet during the day, the leaner they are.day, the leaner they are.

YOU AND YOUR GUT!YOU AND YOUR GUT!

Good Health starts from the stomachGood Health starts from the stomach You are what you eat.You are what you eat. The Mental Health Foundation revealed in February The Mental Health Foundation revealed in February

2006 that studies had clearly linked ADHD (Attention 2006 that studies had clearly linked ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Depression, Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Depression, Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia to junk food and the Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia to junk food and the absence of essential fats, vitamins and minerals in diet.absence of essential fats, vitamins and minerals in diet.

An Oxford University Study published in May 2005 An Oxford University Study published in May 2005 showed that junk food and highly processed diets caused showed that junk food and highly processed diets caused bad behaviour and learning difficulties in children. It also bad behaviour and learning difficulties in children. It also suggested that ADHD could be ‘treated’ by an improved suggested that ADHD could be ‘treated’ by an improved diet, rather than by medication. diet, rather than by medication.

YOU AND YOUR GUT!YOU AND YOUR GUT!

What are these culprits?What are these culprits?- Fizzy drinksFizzy drinks- Fast foods – processed carbohydrates – meat pies, Fast foods – processed carbohydrates – meat pies,

doughnuts, cakes, chocolates, burghers, Big Macs etc.doughnuts, cakes, chocolates, burghers, Big Macs etc.- News came during the week of February 05 2006 of News came during the week of February 05 2006 of

the story of a young man of 20 who died of the story of a young man of 20 who died of malnutrition in Britain, having never eaten anything malnutrition in Britain, having never eaten anything but Chips, White toast and Baked beans, a diet which but Chips, White toast and Baked beans, a diet which caused fatal liver cirrhosis. caused fatal liver cirrhosis.

IMPORTANCE OF FRUITSIMPORTANCE OF FRUITS

Fresh fruits - natural staples of Man - Fresh fruits - natural staples of Man - substantial quantities of essential nutrients in a substantial quantities of essential nutrients in a rational proportion. Excellent sources of rational proportion. Excellent sources of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Easily minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Easily digested - cleansing effect on the blood and digested - cleansing effect on the blood and GIT.GIT.

Ensures good health. Ailments caused by Ensures good health. Ailments caused by intake of unnatural foods can be successfully intake of unnatural foods can be successfully treated by fruits. treated by fruits.

WATER, THE SOURCE AND SUSTAINER OF LIFEWATER, THE SOURCE AND SUSTAINER OF LIFE

The Human body – 75% water and 25% solid The Human body – 75% water and 25% solid mattermatter

The Brain is 85% water and extremely The Brain is 85% water and extremely sensitive to any dehydration or depletion of its sensitive to any dehydration or depletion of its water contentwater content

The Human body rations water efficiently – The Human body rations water efficiently – serving the most needy and starving the less serving the most needy and starving the less important. The brain takes absolute priority important. The brain takes absolute priority over all other organsover all other organs

Sensation of thirst decreases as we age. Sensation of thirst decreases as we age. Elderly people are less able to recognize Elderly people are less able to recognize dehydration than younger mendehydration than younger men

REGULAR EXERCISEREGULAR EXERCISE Improves digestion and eliminationImproves digestion and elimination Increases endurance and energy levelsIncreases endurance and energy levels Promotes lean body mass while burning fatPromotes lean body mass while burning fat Lowers overall blood cholesterol while increasing the Lowers overall blood cholesterol while increasing the

proportion of “good cholesterol” (HDL) to “bad” proportion of “good cholesterol” (HDL) to “bad” cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol (LDL)

Reduces stress and anxiety, which are contributing Reduces stress and anxiety, which are contributing factors to many illnesses and conditions.factors to many illnesses and conditions.

In addition, regular exercise has been known to:In addition, regular exercise has been known to: Elevate mood, increase feeling of well – beingElevate mood, increase feeling of well – being Reduces anxiety and depression Reduces anxiety and depression

TAKE – AWAYS – CONCLUSIONS AND TAKE – AWAYS – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

Watch what you eat. What you eat makes you.Watch what you eat. What you eat makes you. Remember good health starts from the stomachRemember good health starts from the stomach Increase your consumption of Raw products (Fruits, Seeds, Increase your consumption of Raw products (Fruits, Seeds,

Plants - High fibre contentPlants - High fibre content Stress is a necessity and part of everyday life. It is excessive Stress is a necessity and part of everyday life. It is excessive

stress that is harmful. Learn to handle and master stress.stress that is harmful. Learn to handle and master stress. Undertake moderate exercise – min. 3 times a weekUndertake moderate exercise – min. 3 times a week At 35+ consider taking a dietary supplement – multivitamins, At 35+ consider taking a dietary supplement – multivitamins,

multi – minerals; preferably of natural origin.multi – minerals; preferably of natural origin. Drink at least 2 big bottles (‘Ragolis’ size) of Water dailyDrink at least 2 big bottles (‘Ragolis’ size) of Water daily