*OGUN AG's OFFICE ORGANISES FREE HEALTH TALK, MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR STAFFERS*

 *OGUN AG's OFFICE ORGANISES FREE HEALTH TALK, MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR STAFFERS*

As part of efforts to promote optimal staff health and workplace productivity, the Office of the Accountant General has organised free health talk and medical check-up for accountants and other members of staff.

Speaking, during the exercise, at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Accountant General and Permanent Secretary, (Treasury), Mr. Olalekan Taiwo said that it was important for staffers to know their health status, noting that sound health improve productivity at work.

He charged them to follow up on any identified health concerns during the check-up with qualified health personnel, while also observing preventive action on health matters.

"Do not just do the tests and keep the results under your desks, make sure you follow up with health personnel on how to improve your health. Do not resort to self medication, take your prescriptions religiously and abide with medical advice", he said.

Mr. Taiwo admonished staffers to take advantage of the free weekly fitness training at the Sports Arena, explaining that the services had been fully paid for, to be enjoyed by all members of the Ministry.

Delivering a health talk on Ergonomics at Work, Prevention of Back and Neck Pain, Proper Posture, Desk Setup and Simple Office Exercises, Dr. Majeed Oloko of the Orthopaedic Department, State Hospital, Abeokuta, explained that ergonomics involved designing the workplace to fit the worker, noting that prolonged sitting, excessive computer use, poor posture, inactivity, stress and tight deadlines were major causes of back and neck pain among workers.

Dr. Oloko emphasized proper sitting posture, stressing that the computer monitor should be at eye level, with the keyboard and mouse properly positioned and items within reach. He also advised adequate rest, regular exercise, adequate diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, adding that the World Health Organisation recommends at least 10,000 steps daily or 20 minutes of exercise, five times a week, alongside sufficient intake of fruits and water to support overall body function, especially the joints.

Also speaking, Director of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation from the Ogun State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mojirayo Adeogun, in her presentation on Ergonomic Solutions to Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, explained that these disorders affect the muscles, cartilage, tendons, nerves, joints and spinal discs. She identified poor or awkward posture and repetitive tasks, particularly prolonged neck flexion, as major causes, often resulting in pain, discomfort and fatigue.

She recommended practical solutions such as using adjustable furniture, avoiding slouching, changing sitting positions regularly, resting the elbows and forearms on the desk to relax the shoulders, avoiding twisting at the waist by turning the whole body and taking regular breaks to stand and move around.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi appreciated the Office of the Accountant General for organising the health talk and priotising the wellbeing of its workforce, with a promise to practise all exercise routine as shown during the programme.

Highlight of the event was teachings on routine office exercise to ease muscle and body pains, especially during office hours.

 

Bolaji Abiodun,

Information and Public Relations Officer

Min. of Finance