Consumers receive free health check-ups
Shoppers recently had an opportunity to be freely tested and were taught about various health conditions at a temporary base set up outside Alberton City.
Under the Department of Health, Tshepho Women Help Centre assisted more than 80 shoppers with free health check-ups as part of promoting healthy living.
The Kathorus-based non-governmental organisation set up a temporary base along Voortrekker Road outside Alberton City during their visit to conduct these check-ups.
The group invited the public to undergo check-ups ranging from HIV testing to blood pressure, TB screening as well as blood sugar level tests.
While advocating healthy living, the organisation also raised awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while advising the public about the value of a balanced diet.
According to Tila Maganyane of Tshepho Women Help Centre, people should know their health status.
“People are encouraged to know their HIV status by testing, and if positive they are referred or accompanied to the clinic. HIV negative clients with positive partners are also referred to the clinic for treatment so that they remain negative and provide protection,” she said.
She said they also checked high blood pressure levels, which she referred to as a silent killer.
Counsellor Sindiswa Mawanga, said: “Alberton is a perfect place because people come from all over to do their shopping and we can refer them to their nearest clinics when diagnosed. We normally visit improvised areas where we conduct these health outreach programmes.”
