VUT celebrates Men’s Health Day
VUT celebrates Men’s Health Day
Ms Zanele Yende from SANCA
Thabiso Sechele
The Employee Wellness office, Occupational Health and Safety Department celebrated Men’s Health Day on 31 July under the theme: I Quit at VUT main campus.
The important objective of Men’s Health Day was to highlight the negative impact of smoking on men’s health. South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) was there to inform men on the effects of smoking and how it causes chronic illnesses. Zanele Yende from SANCA relayed the shocking findings that about 4 000 chemicals can be found in cigarettes.
This first-ever Men’s event from Employee Wellness invited the Campus Clinic, Doctor Maduna to answer questions about issues affecting men’s health. The dialogue approach was used rather than having normal presentations as it was felt that this would be more effective.
Sister Moloko from the Occupational Health informed the staff on After-Care Programme that is available to assist employees who want to quit smoking. On his closing remarks Mr Dutch Matlaletsa from Compliance Department encouraged men to take their positions and be good role models to their loved ones. “Take a step and say I quit,” he said.
The Safety Department encouraged smokers to use designated smoking areas to create a better environment for non-smokers and to avoid fire at their work place.
Men also underwent HIV Counselling and Testing, Health Checks on Glucose, Blood Pressure and Prostate Cancer Testing after the event.
Spiritual and financial wellbeing were also on the programme. Pastor Vilakazi from VUT FM shared his wisdom with men. Laurel Financial Services were there to give practical examples on maintaining financial wellness. According to them, financial wellness is important as it affects one’s spiritual and psychological wellness.
“I appreciate the fact that our male staff showed a concern about their wellbeing as they came in their numbers and interacted with one another to solve their own problems” said the Employee Wellness Specialist, Ms Queen Mogamisi.
