Stakeholders Task Journalists to take care of their health at NUJ FCT Corr Chapel Health, Wellness Seminar

Stakeholders Task Journalists to take care of their health at NUJ FCT Corr. Chapel health and wellness Seminar 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Correspondents Chapel organised health and wellness Seminar today with the theme: Occupational Health Awareness and Social Welfare", at the NUJ FCT Secretariat Abuja.

The seminar which converged experts on occupational health and social welfare buttressed on sudden death syndrome causes and prevention, preparing for retirement and managing aging, occupational hazard and safety measures, social welfare benefits to Journalists and many more

Speaking at the occasion, the Guest Speaker, the Director General, National Senior Citizens Centre, Dr Emem Omokaro, lamented that most Journalists do not have health insurance either for themselves or for family members and this causes a lot of stress on them.

She maintained that some Journalists are overwhelmed with anxiety as they retire without proper preparation. According to her, "some Journalists suffer when they go on retirement; they should reduce the risk of harm, by planning, and staying healthy. Journalists should take responsibility for themselves and their health by engaging in regular exercise and healthy lifestyles".

"The years you invested on your profession; your time, energy and resources should be for your advantage and not disadvantage. In your youthful years invest in yourselves and fight for your social right.

"Noting that from 18years and above, most youths begin to choose career or decide to either switch profession or remain in the same profession."

Dr Emem who said employment gives people career, goals and compensation, also said compensation meets our needs and widens our horizons.

Addressing the participants, on Occupational Health, the Chief Host, Comrade Grace Ike, regretted that most Journalists do not take care of their physical, mental and emotional health

She called for work safety and support healthcare system for Journalists. adding that mental health and social welfare security is crucial for the Media.

Mrs Bolanle Ernest, Expert Law Ethics

charged Journalists to lay good foundation for themselves today, especially social welfares that will meet their needs in the future.

She urged Employers to create conducive environment, social welfare support system and avoid toxicity in work environment.

 She said employee should create health insurance scheme for themselves if their employer didn't create some.

Emphasizing on Sudden death syndrome, causes and prevention, she urged the audience to take care of themselves to avoid sudden death.

Chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath is the signal of sudden death. family history is important to know causes of some illness, also avoid red meat, and alcohol should be reduced once one passes the age of 40." Bolanle said.

In his address of welcome, the Ag. Chairman, Comrade Felix Ojo, described Journalism as a noble profession and encouraged Journalists to care for their health. According to him, "health is wealth and everyone's fundamental human rights. Journalism is a special profession. He call for institutional support, to create enabling environment for the Journalists. also, good working environment and remuneration.

In the same vein, Comrade Tita Onyebuchi Nze, Asst. National Secretary, NUJ, said Journalism is driving by passion hence there is a lot of risk associated with the profession. Narrating the risk he faced as an undercover Journalist, the perils in journalism, he encouraged Journalists to pay adequate attention to their health and desist from heavy drinking of alcohol.

Highlights of the occasion includes panel discussions and goodwill messages from different government agencies and parastatals