Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra has urged media practitioners to regularly check their health statuses as they discharge their duties as society’s watchdog.

Addressing the 2022 Health Week of the Anambra council of the NUJ in Awka, Mr Soludo noted that only a healthy workforce could contribute to the growth and development of the state.

“Gathering and processing news and disseminating is energy sapping; journalists are always busy, so they need to always check their health status,’’ the governor said.

His message was delivered by his representative, Paul Nwosu, Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

In a lecture delivered at the function, Joe Akabuike, the chief medical director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, emphasised the need for regular check of blood pressure.

He encouraged journalists to engage in regular physical exercises, meditation on pleasurable stories, proper medication and relaxation, amongst other healthy behaviours.

Mr Akabuike identified stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and genetic factors as major causes of high blood pressure.

In another presentation, Kenneth Nwokolo, the Infection Prevention and Control Focal Person at the National Centre for Disease Control in Anambra, advised journalists to maintain healthy lifestyles.

He stressed that journalists should watch their feeding habits and avoid activities that took a toll on their health.

“The idea to work round-the-clock and sleep less every day needs to be reviewed as loss of sleep is trouble on its own,” he said.

(NAN)