PESHAWAR: Health experts have called upon journalists to make physical exercise a regular part of their daily routine to stay safe from stress and trauma.

“Journalists need to focus on exercise as well as balanced diet because due to the high-pressure nature of their work and frequent exposure to trauma, they often face health issues like mental stress and high blood pressure, which increase their risk of developing heart diseases,” medical director of Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Prof Shahkar Ahmad Shah said.

Speaking at a free medical camp for journalists and their families at Peshawar Press Club on Sunday, he highlighted the growing prevalence of heart diseases in Pakistan, with 1.5 million new cases being reported annually.

He noted that smoking and consumption of fatty foods were major contributors to heart problems and regular exercise could help in preventing heart diseases.

Dr Shahkar said that doors of PIC were always open to journalists. He expressed the hope that media would continue to highlight the contributions of the institute.

More than 150 members of press club and their families availed free medical check-ups, including Echo, ECG and other examinations. Free medication was also provided to them.

During the camp, several journalists were found to have early signs of heart disease. They were advised to seek further treatment at PIC.

At the conclusion of the medical camp, president of Peshawar Press Club Arshad Aziz Malik expressed his gratitude to the PIC administration and presented shields to the medical team and hospital management. Special thanks were extended to PIC spokesperson Riffat Anjum and her team for organising the medical camp.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024