Physically inactivity lists amongst the risks contributing to
global diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
To promote physical activity, a healthy lifestyle and
balanced nutrition, the Northern Cape Department of Health hosted a health
campaign in Tsineng in the Joe Morolong Local Municipality.
At the occasion MEC Maruping Lekwene took part in an
aerobics session, and urged community members to engage in daily activities
that exercise the body to help retain a healthy body and help in the prevention
of diseases.
Maruping emphasised that exercise builds stronger bones,
brings down blood pressure, lower cholesterol, burns off excess weight, boosts
immunity, reduces cancer risk, increases self-esteem, improves mental
sharpness, lessens depression and anxiety, and eases stress levels.
The main message of the event was that physical activity, a
balanced diet, and a tobacco and alcohol-free lifestyle, were the first steps
towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These steps are also a cheap way to
improve health.
The World Health Organisation lists physical inactivity as
one of the main reasons for chronic diseases, morbidity and mortality to
increase. These lifestyle-related diseases have reached alarming proportions in
the country, and also in the Northern
Cape.
Amongst others, councilors representing the municipality,
tribal council members of Kgosi Shuping, senior management in the department
and community members, attended the event.
Lekwene also emphasised the importance of people taking
initiative and their destiny in their own hands.
