Ministry of Health Directs Mandatory Medical Checkup Before Engaging in Tree-Hugging Exercise

The government, through the Ministry of Health, has issued a public warning cautioning Kenyans against participating in prolonged tree hugging without a prior medical checkup.

This follows a rising trend of Kenyans participating in the challengeinspired by a 72-hour tree-hugging initiative by Truphena Muthonithat has gained widespread attention.

Truphena completed the tree-hugging on December 11 last year, surpassing her previous 48-hour record, a challenge that helped her gain national recognition.

The practice has since escalated in different parts of the country for various reasons, such as raising cancer awareness and promoting environmental awareness.

For instance, in Limuru, Kiambu County, ayoung man attempted the tree-hugging challengein a bid to raise school fees for his Grade 10 brother, while in Meru, another hugged a tree to protest rampant banditry.

Similarly, in Western Kenya, a young woman was rushed to Bugoma Hospital shortly after completing her 74-hour tree-hugging challenge.

With the challenge now gaining momentum across the country, particularly among the youth, the Ministry of Health has warned that prolonged tree hugging poses serious health risks.

Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, noted that the tree-hugging challenge was a strenuous exercise that requires a mandatory medical checkup before engaging in.

"I have seen people who are really in the mood for hugging trees. People are hugging trees; that is a strenuous exercise. Before doing the challenge, make sure you go for a check-up," said the PS.

The PS revealed that the Ministry had recorded several cases of people collapsing and being rushed to the hospital after engaging in prolonged tree hugging without medical assessment.

"We are not stopping anyone from participating in the tree-hugging challenge, but you must first undergo a medical checkup to ensure that you are medically fit," the PS reiterated.

She also reiterated the need for proper physical preparation and gradual training before undertaking such an exercise, further stating that advocacy should not come at the cost of one's personal health.