HEWAN Warns Journalists, Nigerians on Rising Hypertension Crisis

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has urged journalists and Nigerians to prioritise regular blood pressure checks and embrace healthier lifestyles as cases of hypertension continue to rise across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 World Hypertension Day, HEWAN described hypertension as a “silent killer” that is cutting short productive lives and worsening the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

The association’s President, Vivian Ihechu, said journalists and media professionals remain among the most vulnerable groups because of the stressful nature of their work.

According to her, the demands of breaking news, tight deadlines, irregular working hours, prolonged sitting, and constant exposure to traumatic events have made hypertension an occupational hazard in many newsrooms.

“You cannot report the news if you become the news,” she said, urging media professionals to shift from reactive healthcare to active lifestyle control.

Ihechu noted that chronic sleep deprivation, dependence on fast food and processed snacks, as well as lack of physical activity, significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure among journalists.

She stressed the importance of healthy diets rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, noting that excessive salt intake, unhealthy fats, and processed foods contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

The HEWAN president also called on Nigerians to “know their numbers,” warning that hypertension often develops silently without symptoms until it results in stroke, kidney failure, or heart attacks.

She advised adults from the age of 18 to make blood pressure checks a routine part of their healthcare habits.

Beyond diet, Ihechu highlighted the importance of proper hydration and timely eating habits in maintaining stable blood pressure, warning that dehydration and late-night meals could worsen cardiovascular risks.

The association further called on governments at all levels to create environments that promote healthy living through the construction of walkways, public parks, and green spaces for exercise and recreation.

HEWAN also raised concerns over the rising cost of hypertensive medications, saying many Nigerians have abandoned treatment because of inflation and the high cost of drugs.

While commending the Federal Government for recent import duty waivers on pharmaceutical products, the association said the intervention had yet to significantly reduce the retail cost of essential hypertension medicines.

The statement was jointly signed by Ihechu and HEWAN Secretary, Temitope Obayendo.