African minors’ health challenges are comparable to those in the rest of the world

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Today’s youth in rich and poor countries faces comparable health risks and challenges. There is the temptation to enjoy too much food that is advertised as delicious and to eat too little healthier food. An increasingly sedentary lifestyle makes physical activity voluntary, no longer based on the daily need for physical activity in rural production. This is a serious medical problem, as today’s young people are threatened tomorrow (and sometimes, already today) by cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, later by further challenges including arthritis, stroke, and more. But this is a challenge far beyond medicine. Young people need to be empowered to distinguish between good and bad lifestyles and be strengthened in their willingness to make an effort for future health. It may not seem very sexy to eat mostly fruits and high-fiber traditional foods instead of hamburgers, snacks, sweets, or to eat in posh restaurants. Everyone needs a certain resistance to advertising today, whether they grow up in Nigeria, Europe or anywhere else. Medical doctors, teachers, and many other professionals with responsibilities for young people have a key role in this endeavour.