Bola Afolabi
Apple is not safe for eating until you have washed it with hot water and soap.
This was revealed by a lecturer at the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lagos, Professor Abidemi Tella.
According to her, the way apple is normally preserved necessitates more than ordinary rinsing before consumption.
Tella made this known recently while addressing students of Iroko Community Grammar School, Ibadan, during a pep talk organised by the school’s Old Students Association.
At the event held in the school hall, with many alumni present, including their President, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, who is the Senior Director in charge of Department of Economic, Trade & Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Tella said apple was normally preserved with wax, which, according to her, is dangerous in one’s system.
She said: If you want to eat apple, don’t just wash it with ‘pure’ water. It is an imported product preserved with wax, which ordinary water cannot remove. The wax can rise one day and cause damage to the body. So, the best way to wash your apple is to soak it in warm water and use soap to wash it.”
The don also stressed the need to desist from taking too much salt and sugar.
She noted: “Watch your sugar and salt intake. Take calcium to maintain stronger bones. Of course, exercise is the foundation of physical health. We need to stay active. Just walking around the compound can be beneficial to our health. So, it is not until you run from one end of the field to another before you exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscle and bones. It boosts your mood and reduces stress. It improves blood pressure. It keeps weight under control, reduces anxiety and depression.”
United States-based medical practitioner, Dr Adeniyi Akande, also an alumnus of Iroko Community Grammar School, in his presentation warned the gathering against toxic relationships.
According to him, it is better to cultivate a healthy relationship with loved ones and other neighbours to stave off health issues that toxicity brings.
While emphasising the need for the consumption of food rich in protein, regular exercise and fulfilling principles that promote mental health, Akande said, “Let’s be proactive about our mental health. Don’t feel ashamed to visit mental health specialists. Set health boundaries. Live a life balanced and fulfilling. Each of us is responsible for our health. Don’t just take care of your health, take charge also. Taking charge of your health is the greatest investment you can make in your future.”
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Bolaji addressed the students on the Assembly, offering them success tips as he told the stories of great folks like Elon Musk, Serena Williams and Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie.
In the speech titled ‘The Future Starts Now’, Bolaji said, “ I am honoured to stand before you today as this great institution’s President of the Old Students Association. I bring you warm greetings from those who stood on this Assembly ground, and walked these same halls before you — those who once sat in these very classrooms, dreamt big dreams, and have gone on to make meaningful impacts in society, at home, and abroad.
“As students, you may sometimes feel that success is something far ahead in the distant future — something to think about only after graduation. But let me tell you the truth: your future is not waiting for you somewhere down the road. Your future is being shaped right now, in the choices you make daily, in your habits, in your commitment to learning, and in your mindset toward growth and success.”
He reminded them about the school’s ageless motto, ‘Act well your part’, which, he noted, indicated that whatever role they found themselves in, whether as students, leaders, or members of a community, they must give their very best.
Bolaji added, “Act well, your part’ means being diligent in your studies, disciplined, honest, and striving for excellence in all that you do. Elon Musk, today, is one of the world’s richest men and a pioneer in technology. But, as a student, he spent countless hours reading, learning, and preparing himself for greatness.
“Serena Williams, before she became a world tennis champion, trained relentlessly from a young age, dedicating herself to daily practice. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, started writing as a young girl, reading extensively and improving her skills daily. These individuals didn’t wait for success to find them. They prepared for it, just as you must do now.”
Also in the spirit of giving back, seasoned journalist and performance poet, Akeem Lasisi, who is also an alumnus of Iroko Community Grammar School, donated some of his books to the institution. Among the works received by the Principal, Mrs Funmilola Olu Daniels, who thanked Bolaji and his team for the great strides they are taking in their alma mater, are Right Option English (a lexis and structure textbook for WASSCE, NECO and UTME candidates), African Citations (a collection of Lasisi’s poetic tributes), Child of May (children poetry) and Ekun Iyawo (a modernised version of Yoruba’s bridal poetry).
General Secretary of the old students association, Mr Oluremi Bello, read out other programmes the alumni will be holding every month in the school. Among such are Exploring Investment Opportunities and Business Networking holding this month, Financial Management and Budgeting (March), Skills Acquisition for Survival in Today’s World (April) as well as Personal Branding and Online Presence (July).
Admonishing the students on issues of health care and discipline, Bello said, “You are very lucky. Information is power. Don’t endanger your health in any way. Don’t overeat. Don’t smoke. Don’t take drugs. They may bring temporary pleasure but those who engage in the acts may pay for it throughout their lives. As you are going into the world, you will see many things that will tempt you but you must always be firm on safety and health.”
At the programme with Bolaji were other alumni such as Sulaiman T. O. (1985 set), Abiodun Ayinla (1982), Akinyode Femi (1983), Abayomi Akande (1999), Sunday Oyewole (1984), Bunmi Bamiduro (1982), Iyabo Adeleke (1982), Adeniyi Akande (1982), Oladele Musbau (1982), Engr. Lawal Sulaiman Olalekan, (1983), Ganiyat Anifowose (1982), Kunle Adejare, Funke A. Akanke (1982), Adumadeyin I. (1982), Joseph Akintayo (1982), Kunle Ayorinde, Salau Funmilola (1982, Olabode Idayat (1982), Kunle Ayorinde (1982), Gbenga Oke (1982), Wahab Ganiyat (1983), Oladiran Ismaila (1983), Lady Evang. M. O. Adeyemo (1985), Olatunde Peter Ayobami and Akeem Lasisi (1984).