By KPC Sports Reporter
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has held its second wellness medical camp in Nairobi, aimed at helping media practitioners assess their health status early and promote preventive care within the newsroom.
The initiative, first conceptualised by SJAK members two years ago, has now been implemented in partnership with Holistic and LifeCare Hospital, marking its second edition after a similar exercise earlier.
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Hezekiah Omondi, Business Development Manager at LifeCare Hospitals–Mlolongo, said the collaboration reflects the demanding nature of journalism and the need for routine health checks.
“Partnering with SJAK is important because journalists work under tight deadlines and high pressure. Giving them access to preventive care helps protect the people who keep the public informed. Healthy journalists mean a stronger media,” Omondi said.
LifeCare Nursing Manager Mary Waweru outlined the range of screenings offered during the camp.
“Today we tested Random Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure checks, prostate cancer screening and breast cancer screening, as well as dental check-up,” she said. “It’s important to know your wellness status because conditions like blood sugar and blood pressure may not show signs and symptoms, and the essence is to seek treatment early.”
Holistic representative William Deche said the organisation used the InBody composition machine to assess journalists’ physical health, alongside mental wellness checks.
“We are helping sports scribes understand their body composition, which is key in addressing weight and lifestyle issues,” Deche noted, adding that psychotherapy sessions were also conducted to evaluate mental wellness among SJAK members.
SJAK reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the initiative, terming health a core priority for its members.
“The health of our members is a priority. This is only the second edition and more will follow because we want every journalist to thrive on and off the beat,” the association said.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya Deputy President Barnaba Korir lauded the programme, noting its wider relevance beyond journalism.
“The camp is a good initiative that we have also adopted for athletes. If it works for athletes, it works for journalists too,” Korir said.
