Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, Dr. Richard Okoye, has urged journalists to prioritize their health, warning against sacrificing it for deadlines. Speaking at the annual All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu, Okoye emphasized the importance of regular medical checks, knowing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and responding early to warning signs. He delivered a paper titled, “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”
Okoye highlighted hypertension and diabetes as conditions that deserve particular attention, noting that people can live with potentially dangerous conditions without appreciating their seriousness until complications develop. He used everyday experiences to explain technical medical issues, drawing laughter from the editors. Okoye stressed that prevention and early detection can make a significant difference in maintaining health. He also discussed the workings of the heart and other aspects of cardiovascular health.
The physician drew attention to Nigeria’s low life expectancy and the impact of the “Japa” syndrome on the country’s healthcare system. He noted that the migration of doctors and other health professionals has depleted available medical manpower. According to official figures, Nigeria’s doctor density is 2.9 per 10,000 people, translating to approximately one doctor for every 3,474 Nigerians.
Okoye emphasized the importance of personal wellbeing, urging journalists not to become so consumed by deadlines, irregular working hours, and professional pressures that routine health checks are relegated to the background. He maintained that personal wellbeing should be treated as seriously as professional responsibility. Providing for one’s family is important, but remaining healthy enough to be present for that family is equally important.
The medical practitioner illustrated the point with experiences of families coping with the loss of fathers, noting that a man’s responsibility to his family should include taking care of himself. He said the presence of a father in the home can make a huge difference to the lives of his children, and material possessions cannot adequately replace the emotional and stabilizing role of a parent.
Okoye’s message to journalists is that they must strive to stay alive beyond the deadline by prioritizing their health. He encouraged them to undergo regular medical checks, know their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and respond early to warning signs. By doing so, journalists can maintain their health and remain present for their families.
The annual All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu brought together editors to discuss various issues, including the importance of prioritizing health. Okoye’s presentation was well-received, and his message is expected to resonate with journalists who often face pressure to meet deadlines. By prioritizing their health, journalists can maintain their wellbeing and continue to provide quality content to their readers.
Key points
- Journalists urged to prioritize health over deadlines
- Regular medical checks and attention to hypertension and diabetes emphasized
- Nigeria’s low life expectancy and healthcare challenges highlighted
