Campaign aims to promote healthy lifestyles among local residents

The Department of Health, in conjunction with the Protea Hotel Hazyview, conducted a health-awareness campaign at the Blue Haze Mall to promote healthy living among the community on World Health day on April 7.
The campaign included professionals from the department who did free HIV testing. They provided the community with information about nutrition and promoted health awareness from mobile clinics.
Trained nurses did the HIV tests and results were available within 15 to 20 minutes. When someone tested positive they were sent to the local clinic where they received free medication and were educated on how to medicate themselves.
These clinics all support the World Health Day. ACTS Right to Care was one of the mobile HIV testing clinics on site.
Education is also provided by means of a flip chart and brochures on illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, treatment for children who accidentally drank paraffin, diabetes, Aids and first-aid tips were provided for illiterate people by means of illustrated booklets.
A Department of Health recipe booklet was also availed to the public. Sex education was given by a qualified health worker and condoms were handed out as well. The project also aims to educate consumers on the health and nutritional benefits of dairy.