On Friday, 23 February 2018 the eThekwini Regional Director, Ms Dudu Fihlela, her management team and personnel took a bold action to participate and respond to the call on ‘healthy living’. This was a special occasion set aside by the region, where all staff and stakeholders gathered at eThekwini Lecture Hall with the purpose of raising awareness and garner support of all attendants towards living healthy. Ms Nandipha Mathonsi, the Regional Employee Health & Wellness Practitioner, led at the forefront in preparation of such a prestigious session.
The day’s programme included the provisioning of dental services conducted by Ms Amanda Khena, the dentist and her partner, Mr Mohau Selemakoro, both from the STA Dental Services in Phoenix. They had a busy schedule as most officials flooded the dental van mobile stall. Ms Nonhlanhla Cele and Ms Nonhlanhla Shezi, both are health practitioners from GEMS who conducted the physical health check-ups of persons with health related problems; free screening and testing on Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, diabetes, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Ms Nqobile Phakama who conducted the neck and shoulder massage to most female participants accompanied them. Mr Mohamed and Ms Rihana from the Eye Wellness Clinic in Durban Central managed an optometrist/ eye stall, which got most of the attendants glued to it, as they required ‘eye care’ services.
It is acknowledged with appreciation that notwithstanding the tight schedule Ms Fihlela had on the day, she and Ms Nokubonga Mhlongo made special time to visit all stalls. Such gesture confirms that the eThekwini Region has cultivated positive partnerships with various stakeholders in ensuring that the needs and interests of both parties are realised. Among other key stakeholders and partners present are representatives from Debt Eraser (Ms Sne Ntaka and Mr Jerry Mohanlal), Messrs Sheik and Nkululeko Ngomane from Rinaya Beauty & Jewellery, Insurance & Finance institutions (Old Mutual, Metropolitan, Liberty Life, AVBOB, ASSUPOL and Corner Life) were represented.
A healthy lifestyle is one that helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being. Many governments and non-governmental organizations work at promoting healthy lifestyles. The ways to being healthy include healthy eating, physical activities, weight management, and stress management.
In today’s world, it is quite important and a good idea for everyone to live healthy. Healthy living is about making the right choice. It involves habits that an individual will undertake as long-term goals to achieve. A healthy habit is any behavior that benefits one’s physical, mental and emotional health. These habits improve one’s overall well-being and make one feel good. They include amongst others regular exercising, eating well or balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances.
Financial instability (debts, poor budgeting, financial mismanagement, etc.) is often if at most ignored and is one of the key contributors of individual stress development that may lead to fatal consequences. Making the right choices on healthy habits may be hard to develop and often require changing one’s mindset. However, if you are willing to make sacrifices to better your health, the impact can be far-reaching, regardless of your age, sex, or physical ability.
Living a healthy life begins with a healthy home. Living in a clean environment is so important to one’s physical health as well as one’s overall sense of well-being. Overall, a clean and healthy work environment lowers stress and contributes to a positive outlook on life. Make a decision and take a stance. It is now or never.
People must take a decision and make a sense out of it. Living a healthy life should not be a question of choice but mandatory. It is up to all of us to spread the word of ‘healthy life styles’ amongst ourselves.
We need to practice what we preach.
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