*Tasks civil servants on physical exercise, stress management
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
In order to ensure healthy living and increase work productivity and community wellbeing, a team of health experts have x-rayed the strategic importance of healthy living and tasked civil servants in Nigeria on the imperativeness of physical exercise and stress management in order to be effective and efficient while discharging their official duties.
The team of health experts drawn from within and outside the country, disclosed this at a comprehensive 2 day workshop for senior civil servants organized by the International Institute of Sports Research Development and Rehabilitation (IISRD&R) at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, ,Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The workshop which was attended by participants from within and outside the country, featured lectures on health screening & test, physical exercise and recreation practices, stress management and mental health promotion, workplace ergonomics and safety, basic first aid training, nutrition and food safety practices, as well as other aspects.
Delivering lecture on the topic,“Promoting Active Lifestyle”, Dr. Chidiebere Ojukwu from David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, stated that physical activities are essential components of any strategy that aims to address sedentary lifestyle, noting that physical activities have so many benefits which include, improvement of muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness; blood circulation, preventing associated diseases, reduces the risk of metabolic diseases, improves born and functional health, among others.
Dr. Ojukwu urged civil servants to always engage in physical activities in order to live a healthy life and increased their work output.
Also, another Public Health Specialist, Dr. Patricia Ihuaku Otuh (Mrs.) spoke on, “Promoting Mental Health in the Workspace”.
Dr. Otuh who underscored the importance of mental health in our workspace, stated that good health is a holistic concept that encompasses mental, social, environmental, spiritual,and financial stability.
She further categorized mental health state to include; emotional wellbeing, psychological resilience, cognitive functioning, social connection, self esteem and self worth; stress management, among others.
She explained that balancing these aspects contributes to a better quality of life.
Other health experts like Prof. Eric C. Okoli delivered lectures on, “Food Safety Practices for Optimal Health” while Dr. Georgian Chiaka spoke on “Essentials of Hygiene Practices at Home and Workplace”.
Addressing newsmen after the workshop, the Director International Institute of Sports Research Development and Rehabilitation, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Prof.Sam Chidi Ibeneme stated that the workshop is an epoch-making occasion because it marks the first time the institute organized such an international workshop to brainstorm on critical health issues for the wellbeing of the society.
Prof. Ibeneme used the opportunity to appreciate the dogged efforts and exceptional initiative of the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Jesse Uneke towards the success of the workshop.
`In this workshop, we really want to impact the society and that is why we targeted the senior civil servants, policy makers to educate them, create awareness, and education them on how to take care of their health to enhance productivity.
`So, it has been an interesting interaction and we are just starting.We have so much in stock for the local community,the civil service and other segments of the society to benefit from our wealth of knowledge and in that way, we contribute immensely to improve the wellbeing of the society as well as the wealth of the nation.
`We do appreciate the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Jesse Uneke who is at the helm of affairs of this university and who has driven these ideas to establish this institute and so many other institutes to come.
He has actually given us overwhelming support.We shall organize another one in the next tree months,it will be a continues interchange and a continues exercise so that we impact our society and change it for good.
Some participants like Bright Chimezie and Charles Dominic Chisom, all noted that the workshop was really good and impactful and applauded the Vice Chancellor for the wonderful initiative, saying that the workshop has added a big value in their individual lives.
