On August 9, St Luke Church of the Nazarene marked Women’s Day with a vibrant Wellness and Fitness Day, organised by community member Cathleen Diedericks. The event blended education, practical activities, and health screenings.

Guest speaker Prof Mariëtte Swanepoel, from the North-West University’s Department of Human Movement Sciences, delivered a powerful message encouraging women to take ownership of their health. She emphasised that it’s never too late to start making positive changes and highlighted the importance of sleep, hygiene, balanced nutrition, regular activity, and early detection through check-ups and screenings.

Prof Swanepoel also addressed the risks of prolonged sitting, offered simple strategies for staying active throughout the day, and shared useful tips for identifying hidden sugars and salts.

Following the talk, attendees took part in wellness screenings that assessed cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and flexibility. These were facilitated by enthusiastic third-year Biokinetics students, who also provided personalised feedback and advice. At dedicated exercise stations, women were guided in the correct form for assigned exercises, equipping them with the confidence to continue safe and effective routines at home.

The day concluded with renewed motivation, practical health tools, and a strong sense of community spirit. Prof Swanepoel and her team praised the participants as “highly receptive, full of gratitude, and an absolute joy to work with.”

Events like this, organisers said, remind us that Women’s Day is not just a celebration, but also a chance to empower women with the knowledge and resources to live healthier, fuller lives.